HALLTHOR (HAL) BJORNSON

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HALLTHOR (HAL) BJORNSON On Wednesday, July 26, 2000, after a brief illness, our beloved husband, Dad and Afi, Hallthor Bjornson (Hal) passed away at Seven Oaks General Hospital. Hallthor was born February 9, 1941, at the homestead of his grandparents Halli and Gudrun Bjornson. When he was a year old, his parents moved to Riverton and it was there that he grew up. He left Riverton as a young man and lived and worked at Moak Lake and Thompson for several years. Upon returning, he moved to Winnipeg where he continued to work, make his home and raise his family. He is survived by Patricia, his loving wife of 37 years; his sons, Harold, Tim and Janice, Stephen and Tara. He was the much loved Afi of two precious little boys, Patrick and Brandon whom he loved dearly. He leaves to mourn also his mother-in-law, Frances Jones of Winnipeg; his brother Brandy (Jean) of Prince George, BC; his sisters, Sigrun (Rudy) of White Rock, BC and Vilborg of Winnipeg. He will be sadly missed by his in-laws, Marjorie and Bob, Allan and Betty, Stuart and Mugs, Murray and Marg. His many nieces and nephews will greatly miss their uncle Hallthor. He was predeceased by his parents, Halldor and Margaret Bjornson and his father-in-law Helgi Jones. His whole working life was connected to "transportation" beginning as a "helper" with Riverton Transfer, including four years in the north as a radio-operator, over 30 years in the truck transportation industry and most recently in the field of wireless communication. At the time of his death, he was a dedicated, highly-respected employee of Rogers AT&T Wireless, where he enjoyed the comradeship of a very special group of people. He was a member of the Associated Trades Division of the Manitoba Trucking Association. A Past-Chairman, he served tirelessly on various committees. He was instrumental in the organization and implementation of the annual "Manitoba Professional Truck Driving Championships" acting in every capacity in that event, including "Trackmaster." He also served as "Trackmaster" of the Canadian Professional Truck Driving Championships. In 1989, the Manitoba Trucking Association honoured him with the prestigious "Service to Industry Award" presented for "your outstanding contributions to the truck transportation industry and the Manitoba Trucking Association." At that time, it was only the second time since its inception that the award was presented to a non-carrier member of the MTA. In 1998, he was again honoured by the MTA when he was named the "Associate of the Year" recognizing his long-term contribution to the industry and the Association, and describing him as the consummate volunteer, always prepared to offer assistance. He was Past-President of Icelandic Canadian Fron, a member of the Lutheran Church, the Masonic Lodge of Manitoba and the PCPNBA. He had a great love for Lake Winnipeg and treasured his time at "the property" at Hecla. He also took great pleasure in the time he spent fishing at the north end of the lake with his father-in-law. A kind and gentle man, he was a devoted husband and father. He was very proud of his family, providing them with a solid, loving example of the importance of honesty, hardwork, commitment to principles and respect for your fellow man. He was much loved by all of us and we give thanks to God for his life. A prayer service will be held on Sunday, July 30 at 7:00 p.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk and a service of remembrance will be held on Monday, July 31 at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 815 Inkster Blvd., with Pastor Donald Engel officiating. Private interment at a later date at the Hecla South Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Manitoba Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation, 100 Olivia Street, Winnipeg, MB R3E 9Z9 or the Salvation Army. Special thanks to the staff at Seven Oaks General Hospital. A heart of gold stopped beating Two hard working hands at rest God took you home to prove to us He only takes the best. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 29, 2000