DAVID CARL BJARNASON

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DAVID CARL BJARNASON February 21, 1931 - August 13, 2001 With his wife and five children by his side, Carl Bjarnason passed away peacefully at the Deloraine Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. His loving wife of 47 years, Patricia; five children, Laura (Steven), Garth, Rob (Kathy), Kathlyn (Ross), Elin (Rita) five grandchildren, Carla, Andrew, Kiersten, Kris-Jon, and Anya; brother Jim (Feanny) and a very close and large extended family are left to cherish his memory and mourn his passing. Carl was predeceased by his father Herman, mother Muriel, stepmother Laura, father and mother-in-law, Roy and Myrtle Armstrong. Carl was born in Ottawa, ON and raised in London, ON. He moved to Manitoba in 1950. He attended the University of Manitoba, graduating in 1955 with a Bachelor of Law, later obtaining his Masters in Law. While in university, Carl also took his Naval Reserve Training, spending three summers at the Naval Academy in Naden, BC. Carl and Pat met in Winnipeg and were married on January 16, 1954. After graduating from Law, with his family already started, Carl began what was to become a distinguished career as a corporate lawyer. First employed with the Great West Life Assurance Company, and later moving on to Investors Group, Carl ended his career as the Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Secretary of Investors Group in 1992. He chose to retire at age 62. During his working years, Carl dedicated 10 years of volunteer service to the Victoria General Hospital in Winnipeg as a member of the board of directors, two of which were as Chairman of the Board. Also of note, Carl began attending toastmasters in the early 1950s helping him develop his exceptional public speaking and story telling skills. These were a great asset in the business world and a gift that would bring much life and laughter to many a family gathering. After lovingly raising a family in Winnipeg, Pat and Carl retired in 1992 to Lake Metigoshe, where they had vacationed since the early 1960s. Carl loved the countryside, spoke often of the beauty of the Turtle Mountains and enjoyed nothing better than sitting on his deck, overlooking the lake, while visiting with family and friends. Amongst his retirement activities, Carl was a member of the Lake Metigoshe Association and Turtle Mountain Conservation Society. He loved history, war time stories, reading, golfing, sailing, winter vacations in Texas, seeing those around him happy and having fun, and watching his grandchildren grow and learn. A man with many interests and a keen sense of humour, Carl is most remembered as a dedicated husband, wonderful father, and good friend to many. He will be missed dearly by all whose lives he touched. Special thanks to all the caregivers, professionals and family members, who cared for Carl with such loving kindness and to all those who sent their good wishes and later, their condolences. In lieu of flowers, donations in Carls memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or charity of choice. Service and interment were held Friday, August 17 in Boissevain, MB. Carl, Dad, Grandpa, Big Guy, Old Professor, Papa Louie We love you. We will miss you dearly and hope your journey is filled with joy and peace. Smith Funeral Home in care of arrangements, Deloraine, MB.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 18, 2001