HARRY MERLE GUNNLAUGSON

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HARRY MERLE GUNNLAUGSON Passed away peacefully in his home on July 4, 2002. Predeceased by his wife Margaret in 1977. Merles memory will always be cherished by his wife Hilda; his sister Joyce; four children, Kathleen, Allen, Carl (Claire) and Trudy (Alan) 12 grand-children; and great-granddaughter Briee; five nieces and numerous cousins and Hildas family. He will be remembered and missed by many longtime friends. Merle was born in Argyle, MB on September 11, 1926 where he stayed on the farm until 1950. He married Margaret Sigurdson in 1953. Together with their four children they built a lovely home. Merle worked hard in a variety of positions as power engineer in Flin Flon, MB, Carberry, MB, Brandon, MB and retiring after 18 years as chief engineer at Domtar in Winnipeg. He stayed very active in the Institute of Power Engineers. Merle was always very talented, renovating things and "fixing them up," building two houses and a trailer in his lifetime. In 1997, Merle met Hilda Cotton in Steinbach United Church. They married in 1998 and enjoyed a lifetime of wonderful memories travelling to the East Coast, Yukon and Alaska, West Coast, Churchill, MB, Branson, MI, all after a beautiful Caribbean honeymoon cruise. With Merles positive attitude and the variety of interests and activities he shared with family and friends, one would never know the numerous health problems he endured. He would not let them get in the way of a good game of cribbage or jokers or pool. He enjoyed music and loved to dance and he enjoyed time with children and grandchildren. He shared his strength with others, starting the South Eastman Prostate Cancer Support Group with Hilda in 2001. Too soon, his health failed more seriously and his wishes to remain at home were fulfilled with the help of his loving wife and the palliative care team who provided optimum care and comfort until his death. According to Merles wishes, cremation has taken place. A service of celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, July 7 at 2:00 p.m. at Steinbach United Church, 541 Main St. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to a charity of their choice. WERESCHUK FUNERAL CHAPEL 582-0929

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 06, 2002