STEFAN (STEVE) OLAFUR OLAFSON

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STEFAN (STEVE) OLAFUR OLAFSON July 20, 1921 - September 3, 2005 Family and friends mourn the passing of Stefan (Steve) Olafson. We will miss him, and each of us will treasure the special memories of his time with us. Steve is lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Dora (Anderson); four children, Dan (Aileen), Janice (Roger Robidoux), Colleen (Vern Bryce), Marla (Brent Karr); six grandchildren, Nicolle (Jon Vnuk), Danielle (John Weedon), Renee (Colin Dyck), Mike and Marc Robidoux, Eric Karr; and four great-grandchildren, Jessica Weedon, Jordyn Olafson, Josh Dyck, Carter Vnuk. Steve lived in Riverton his 84 years, and served in the Second World War from 1943 to 1945. Trucking was the main focus in Steve's life, having worked for Riverton Transfer and later purchased it with his brother Harry. After Harry's death in 1971, Steve, Dora, and Dan became owners. Steve enjoyed freighting on winter roads with Bombardiers, tractor trains and later trucks. Steve lived his life his way, with hard work and great determination. We remember with pride his understanding and respect for Lake Winnipeg, his skill at loading a truck and his efforts to get the freight through. In his later years he enjoyed riding his horse and only recently sold his motorcycle. Boats were a big part of Dad's life and we spent many summers cruising on Lake Winnipeg, travelling to our cabin on the south tip of Hecla Island and visiting many communities on the lake. Dad also spent many hours flying an airplane and each of us loved the opportunity to go for a ride with him. Steve is survived by his sisters, Helga (George Gerrard), Esther Blais, Viola (Jim Mark), Connie (Charlie Ostertag); brother-in-law Brodie Thordarson. He is also survived by the Anderson family, Oli (Mae), Beggi (Josephine), Martin (Barbara), Kristine (Palmi Sigvaldason), Marj Anderson, Doreen (John Howk), Margaret Anderson (Jim Bowman), Valdine (Anton Peterson), Lillian (Lawrence Romaniuk); and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his infant grandson, Tyler Olafson; parents, Stefan and Kristin Olafson; brother Harry; sisters, Fjola Olafson and Joyce Thordarson; mother and father-in-law, Magnus and Rannveig Anderson; and in-laws, Beatrice Olafson, Leo Blais, Rose and Luke Charney, Magnus Anderson, Harold Anderson. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 9, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at Riverton-Hnausa Lutheran Church with Pastor Trudy Thorarinson officiating. A reception will follow at the Riverton Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve's memory can be made to the Riverton-Hnausa Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 07, 2005