PETUR THOR GUTTORMSSON

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PETUR THOR GUTTORMSSON Unexpectedly, on December 13, 2000, Thor passed away at 72 years of age. Thor is survived by his wife of 17 years, Deborah DesRivieres (lovingly known as "Orca"), his children, Salin (John Bertrand), Kris, Peter (Morgan McKenzie), their mother Joan Guttormsson and his adored grandchildren, Halla and Stefan Bertrand and Desmond and Eli Guttormsson. He is also survived by brothers, Kris and Merle, sister Norma and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Thor was the first born of Peter and Salin Guttormsson, arriving on January 26, 1928, in Baldur, Man. His early years were spent in Flin Flon and in Vancouver, from where he graduated from the Prince of Wales High School. After obtaining his LL.B. from the University of Manitoba with Honours, Thor began a career in private practice under the name of Stapley and Guttormsson. He then accepted the position of Administrator of Court Services for the Government of Manitoba and subsequently held a similar position for the Government of Saskatchewan. Returning to Manitoba in 1986, Thor re-entered private practice for a brief period and then retired to fulfil a life-long dream of becoming a "gentleman farmer". Thor was a man who made the most of life, a self-described "participant" who endeavoured to make the world as he saw it as much a source of entertainment, wonderment and fulfilment for others as it always was for him. He never let an opportunity to interact with others escape him, always being the first to initiate conversations in any given setting. Embracing sport, nature, the arts and his communities, Thors interests were broad. Golfing with Orca and his sons was a particular joy and a year-round passion, for if not on a course, he was sure to be talking about it. At his 80 acres in Ste. Anne, Thor and Orca tended to a considerable herd of Highland cattle (all of whom were affectionately named after friends and family), raised Norwegian Fjord horses and Elkhounds and managed ornamental and vegetable gardens. In the arts, Thors passions were eclectic - he was an opera fan, purported to play the piano, a movie enthusiast and a dabbler in water colours and jewellery making. He was creative and had a strong design sense, borne out by the courthouses he designed in both Manitoba and Saskatchewan, an accomplishment of which he was justifiably proud. Community was also a very important part of Thors life. He was actively involved with the River Heights Community Club for many years, pioneering both the soccer and ringette programs, as well as taking on various roles in hockey. In later years, he enjoyed curling and volunteering in the community of Ste. Anne. Thor will always be remembered for his wit, his off-beat sense of humour, his intelligence and his remarkable and unflailing sense of right from wrong. He was an endless resource, our voice of reason and his passing represents a tremendous loss. At Thors request, cremation has taken place and interment will occur in the Spring in Lundar, Man. A service will be held on Thursday, December 21 at 11:00 a.m. at Neil Bardal Inc., 984 Portage Avenue (Aubrey St. entrance). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Thors memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Diabetes Association. "When the Present has latched its postern behind my tremulous stay, and the May month flaps its glad green leaves like wings, delicate-filmed as new-spun silk, will the neighbours say, "He was a man who used to notice such things?". NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 18, 2000