ARDEN THIDRIK CHRISTIANSON

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ARDEN THIDRIK CHRISTIANSON Peacefully, on Wednesday, November 15, 2000 at the Portage District General Hospital, Arden Christianson of Portage la Prairie, beloved husband of Shirley Christianson, passed away at the age of 78 years, with all his family at his side. A family graveside service will be held on Monday afternoon at the family plot in Hillside Cemetery followed by a gathering for family and friends at the Oddfellows Hall on Monday, November 20 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Arden was born on August 17, 1922, son of Bjorn and Ingabjorg Christianson at Langruth, Man. where he was raised and received his elementary education, completing high school at Portage Collegiate Institute. He then entered the farm machinery business with his father at Portage la Prairie. In 1954 he took over the ownership of Christianson Limited with his brothers. He developed the John Deere Dealership into a thriving business which he operated until his retirement in 1992. they also developed Koko Platz. In 1943 he enlisted with the Canadian Royal Air Force receiving his wings in 1944. He served with the 194 Squadron in Canada and overseas served with the very first contingent of the 435 Squadron serving in India until August of 1945. Arden was an active member of the Portage community and had been an active member of the Elks Club, the A.N. & A.F. Veteran Association Unit #13 and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #65 and Childrens Aid (Child and Family Services). Arden was an avid curler and golfer, having been a life time member of the Portage Curling Club and a long time member of the Portage Golf Club. He enjoyed 10 pin bowling and bowled in the Friday night league for several years until the closing of the bowling alley. He financially supported many events such as the fiddling contest at the Threshermens Reunion in Austin, the Womens Shelter, as well as a host of other community projects and events. He was a founding member of the cash bonspiel known as the Christianson Country Cash Spiel. He had a great love for music and played in several bands throughout Manitoba. He was a gifted drummer, mouth organ player and also enjoyed singing all types of music. He was a founding member of the Air Cadet Squadron 575 of Portage la Prairie and AA was a very important part of his life. His main passion in life was children whom he believed given the freedom to develop as free individuals they would become self reliant citizens of our country. He had visited many schools that had the value of giving freedom to develop their individual skills. Ardens family was very important to him giving each child and grandchild the freedom to develop into their own person. Ardens life was a life of giving to others always there to help those in need, never passing a hitchhiker by and always giving them money for a meal. Predeceased by his parents; daughter Inga in 1954; brother Conrad in 1997; sister-in-law Bev, brother-in-law Jack, he leaves to mourn his passing his wife Shirley; son Barry and Linda, grandchildren, Jed, Andrea Bess, Ben; Eric and Jan, grandchildren, Amber, Danny (Tammy) and their daughter Jessica, Holly, Mike, all of Portage; twin daughters, Signe and Rick McRorie, grandchildren, Morgan, Layne, Calvert of Westbourne; Sonja and Marc Fontaine, grandchildren, Rene, Bjorn, Lindy of Winnipeg; daughter Stephanie of Portage. Also surviving are his brother John and Gwen Christianson; sister Hope Carroll of Winnipeg; sister-in-law Phoebe of Portage la Prairie and many nieces and nephews. Should friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 102 - 310 Broadway, Winnipeg, Man., R3C 0S6 or the Canadian Blood Services, 777 William Avenue, Winnipeg, Man., R3C 0Z2. The Omega Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements. Friends may leave a message or sign the register book at our web site www.legacy.com "Where life stories live on" Always my excitement, love and stuff forever You are mine forever I will miss you always Grandpas are like a big kid With a cheque book and drivers license

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 18, 2000