ARNI RAYMOND THORKELSSON

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ARNI RAYMOND THORKELSSON Peacefully at his residence on May 9, 2010, Raymond Thorkelsson, aged 84 years of Ashern, MB, passed away. Raymond is survived by his son Hazen (Angie); grandchildren Jodi and Jessica; one sister Faye (Albert) Frohwerk of Winnipeg, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and good friends. He was predeceased by his wife Marie in 2007, a son Gregory in infancy, daughter Jodis in 1975, his four brothers Haukur, Edwin, Connie and Harold and his three sisters Myrtle, Helen and Vi. Raymond was born on November 19, 1925 in Ashern, MB. As a young man, he worked together with his brothers for their Dad at Ashern Freighters. Ray voluntarily enlisted in the Navy in 1943 RCNVR and was discharged in December 1945. He is one of the last Second World War veterans in the Ashern area. Throughout his life, he also worked at Carter Motors (Inman Motors), TCA, Marshall Wells, Cockshutt along with various other jobs. He moved to Winnipeg in 1952 where he met the love of his wife Marie Iees and were married in 1954. They had three children Gregory, Jodis and Hazen and lived in Winnipeg until 1967 when they moved back to Ashern, MB. His proudest accomplishment was owning and operating Ashern Hardware. He retired in the late 1990s. Ray and Marie were very instrumental in the establishment of the Ashern Legion Hall. He proudly served as a Service Officer for the Ashern Legion for many years. Ray had an extraordinary memory. Education was very important to him which he instilled in all those he spoke with. Whatever the topic, he had a story. He was such a knowledgeable person and spent every day reading the newspaper cover to cover. In conversation with him, there was no age barrier. His hair never did turn grey, and he took every opportunity to boast the fact. Ray loved to travel around the world with his family. His greatest pride and joy were his granddaughters Jodi and Jessica. Family was very important to him and he felt fortunate to have so many good friends in his life. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 16, 2010, at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall in Ashern, MB with Pastor Erwin Tippel officiating. Interment to follow in the Betel Churchyard Cemetery (Silver Bay). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the L.I.F.E. Program, PO Box 684, Ashern, MB R0C 0E0. The family wishes to thank all the Home Care workers, especially Victoria, and a special thank you to Alan who was so helpful to Dad. Arrangements by: ARNASON FUNERAL HOME Ashern Lundar 1-204-768-2072 1-866-323-3593

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 14, 2010