SKULI JONASSON

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SKULI JONASSON An angel joined the heavens as our beloved Afi, father, husband, uncle and friend left us on earth to be with those he loved, already in paradise. Just two weeks before his 93rd birthday, Skuli Jonasson passed away with his family near his side, on May 13, 2002, at the Health Sciences Centre. He was at peace during his final hours, and with the Lord by his side he was prepared for his journey home. Skuli was born May 27, 1909, to Jonas Kristjan and Gudrun Gudmundsdottir Finnbogason on the Fagranes homestead in Vogar, MB, joining a proud family history with roots tracing back to Skagafjordur, Iceland. On October 16, 1942, he married the first love of his life, Herdis Norma Kjernisted. Together they farmed at Fagranes until the Spring of 1954 when floodwaters forced them off the land, and in 1955 the family moved to Winnipeg. There, he worked for Keystone Fisheries, King Choy, Independent Fish, and the Freshwater Fish Marketing Board until his retirement on March 30, 1979. Skuli and Norma were very proud of their family and shared a special relationship with each of their grandchildren. They were both active members of First Lutheran Church and loved to travel. Skuli showed his compassion and love for family when he cared for both his much loved mother-in-law, Lilja Kjernisted, and wife during their last years. Skuli and Norma enjoyed 46 years of happy marriage, until he lost her to cancer on July 3, 1988. A man of many blessings, he found love again and on June 2, 1990, Skuli married Phyllis Todd. The two of them spent countless hours listening and dancing to their favourite music. Skuli had many passions during his life and kept busy with woodworking projects, his prized garden and card playing, but he always made time for the people around him. The last few years, Skuli and Phyllis enjoyed socializing with old and new friends at Betelstadur. Since February 2002, Skuli lived with his grandchildren, Kendiss and Tim. His last months were filled with music, family and much love. Skuli had a wonderful sense of humour and an infectious joy for life which he always shared with others. Though he struggled almost daily with asthma he never let it stop him from enjoying the things he loved. Skuli will always be remembered for being young at heart, falling in love and marrying at age 81, dancing at his 90th birthday party, and gardening right up to his last summer. His youthful spirit and zest for life continues to inspire all who knew him. Skuli was predeceased by his wife Norma; granddaughter Alana Faye; parents, Jonas and Gudrun; brothers, Egill (Bertha), Mundi (Christine), Oli (Jenny), Snorri (Runa and Vi), Bogi (Sylvia and Juliette) sisters, Kristjana (Gudmundur) Christianson, Bjorg (Vardi) Howardson, Lauga (Barney) Johnson, Jonina (George) Somerville, Olla (Oli) Johnson; brother-in-law Joe Czarkowski; and stepdaughter Elaine (Mac) Cessford. Skuli is survived by his beloved wife Phyllis; sister Olga Czarkowski; daughter Paula (Ken) Olafson; and grandchildren, Kendiss (Tim), Joey, Tara (friend Michael), and Krystelle; and stepchildren, Betty (Mike) Kwitecki, Trudy (Ralph) Allan, Geri (Doug) Young, Ted, Georgina and Grace. His family also includes numerous sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and stepgrandchildren. Special thanks to Drs. Silagy, Kasper and Sandha, numerous homecare workers who loved and cared for our dad and Afi, staff of GH4 Health Sciences Centre for their special care and consideration, friends at Bethelstather for their support. Many thanks to all the family and friends, especially Martin and Margaret Hiebert and Arthur and Florette Jonasson who helped make Skulis quality of life the best that it could be. "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." Psalm 121 A memorial service was held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home on Friday, May 17 at 10:00 a.m., with Pastor Michael Kurtz officiating. Honorary pallbearers were his grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Skulis memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B7 or to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 120 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 18, 2002