GESTUR EINAR ODDLEIFSON

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GESTUR EINAR ODDLEIFSON Peacefully, on Saturday, March 26, 2005 Gestur Einar Oddleifson passed away at the Arborg and District Health Centre at the age of 82 years. He was predeceased by his parents, Sigurdur Oskar Oddleifson (1978) and Olof Anna Jonasson (1970); his stepmother Jonina R. Oddleifson; his siblings, Thorey and Sigurdur Oskar Jr. Sammy ; brother-in-law Asgeir Fjeldsted; son-in-law Grant Finnson. Einar is lovingly remembered by his wife Vordis of 55 years; daughters, Karen (Bryan) Foster, Enid Oddleifson (Guy Lafond), Kathy Finnson; son Kevin; grandchildren, Kelly (Dan) Bedard, Kendra Foster, Alanna Finnson (Adam Mandel), Eric Lafond, Cole Finnson, and Gaetane Lafond; great-grandchildren, Kira Bedard and Zen Finnson; sister-in-law Norma Oddleifson; Fridfinnson brothers-in-law, Leifur (Grace), Numi (Dora), Kjartan (Lillian), Skapti (Norma) and Junius; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Einar was born October 23, 1922 on his parents' farm (Grashagi) near Arborg. He attended Ardal School and graduated from Grade 11 in 1940. After working on the family farm he enlisted in the RCAF in 1942, taking his pilot's training in western Canada, and graduating in 1944 with the rank of Pilot Officer. Einar fondly remembered his time in the RCAF, the camaraderie of his air force buddies, and the joy of flying. After serving in the RCAF he worked as a travelling mechanic for Co-op Implements for a short time before returning to the family farm, where she spent the remainder of his life doing the work he loved best. On October 22, 1949 Einar married Vordis, daughter of Kristmundur and Jakobina Fridfinnsson of Geysir. He was a warm and loving husband and a gentle, caring father to his four children, an ever present source of help and support to his family. Einar took great pride and delight in his six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His kindness, sense of humour, charm, and genuine interest in people endeared him to his large extended family and many friends. Einar devoted his time and effort to bettering his community through serving on various boards. His honesty, hard work ethic, and willingness to lend a hand were reflected in his community efforts. His strong belief in the co-operative movement led him to serve as director of the Arborg Co-op for six years. He was founding president of the Arborg Credit Union and held a director's position on that board for 16 years. Another organization that benefited from his efforts was the Haga Cemetery Committee. Einar's most faithful service was to the Arborg Unitarian Church. Over his lifetime he has served the church in various capacities. He was a church board and choir member and took an active role in maintenance, caretaking, and camp projects. As a young man, Einar was enthusiastic about his involvement in both the Grain and Crop Improvement Clubs. He had a true love of the land, a great appreciation for nature, and an affinity for animals. He enjoyed reading and had a keen interest in history which was attested to by the well-worn condition of his local history books. Einar was a loyal supporter of the New Democratic Party and enjoyed many lively conversations on political topics. He travelled with family often over the years, with the most notable journey being his trip to Iceland with Vordis in 1994. This was a very enjoyable trip for him because of his pride in his Icelandic heritage. Einar was a warm and wonderful man who touched the lives of many. He will always be remembered with love and deep respect by his family and friends. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 5 at 2:00 p.m. at the Arborg Community Hall, Rev. Stefan Jonasson officiating. The considerate and tender care Einar received at the Arborg and District Health Centre is deeply appreciated by the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arborg Unitarian Church or a charity of one's choice. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 02, 2005