GORDON HELGI THORVALDSON

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GORDON HELGI THORVALDSON October 31, 1936 - February 19, 2005 Sadly on Saturday, February 19, 2005, Gordon Helgi Thorvaldson died. My Viking' put up another good fight, but this time, was not to win. He took his last breath surrounded by his family with loving hands and hearts. Gordon was granted a second chance for life in 1998 surviving major heart surgery and not one minute was wasted until he was diagnosed with a brain tumour with multi complications only 11 days before he died. God was kind - and relieved Gordon from suffering any further insults to his body. He was a brave and uncomplaining man all through both ordeals. Husabrekka, the summer cottage at Lundar Beach on Lake Manitoba was the best part of Gordon and Evelyn's retirement years with family, friends and precious garden time. Old friends, his fishing buddies, berry-picking partners and caring neighbours - were all a part of those years. In the winter months, Gordon enjoyed and looked forward to his monthly card games with his brother Augie, cousins, Helgi Storseth and Sid Folster, friends, Ed and Walter. Gordon joined the Kinsmen Reh-Fit Centre in 1998 where he learned the proper method of rehabilitation accomplishing all the goals and rarely missing a day of his three mile walk around the track. He made that walk just two days before he was hospitalized. Gordon was proud of his accomplishments and colleagues throughout his near 37 years with Air Canada both in Winnipeg and Montreal. He was a proud Canadian who was actively involved in all things Icelandic - and one of the most appreciated treasurers for Logberg Heimskringla Inc. and the Icelandic National League. Gordon was extremely proud of his Icelandic heritage and has left many precious moments of that relationship for memories. Gordon is survived by his wife and best friend Evelyn (Ganton) of nearly 45 years. He leaves his daughter Signy; grandsons, Matthew, Kevin, Blake and their father Alan Poitras; son Paul and wife Brenda (Selk) and granddaughter Alexis. He is survived by his brothers, Gunnar (Edmonton) and Shirley Edgar; Augie and wife Carolyn (Sova); his sister Joyce Tonn (Vancouver); his sisters, Gladys and husband Doug Wirth (Winnipeg) and Gloria and Mike Tilleman (Montana); his sister-in-law Lauraine Ganton. Surviving are many nieces and nephews and volumes of friends all over the world. Predeceased by his parents, Helgi and Margret Thorvaldson (formerly of Oak Point); his sister Bernice and Bill Mitchell (Saskatoon); Rose Thorvaldson (Edmonton); brother-in-law Bill Tonn (Vancouver); and brother-in-law Paul Ganton. Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be held at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Winnipeg at 200 Dalhousie Dr. (off Pembina Highway) at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 24 with our Pastor Ed Mitchler presiding. Honorary pallbearers are his three grandsons, Matthew, Kevin and Blake Poitras and his only granddaughter Alexis Thorvaldson as well as his brother Augie Thorvaldson and a special friend and uncle - Steini Palsson of Lundar. Interment of cremains will be held at a later date with immediate family. In lieu of flowers, please consider the St. Boniface Palliative Care Ward, 8th Floor, 409 Tache, Winnipeg, Canada R2H 2A6; Logberg Heimskringla Inc., Future Funds Program, 100-283 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, Canada R3B 2B5; Epiphany Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 200 Dalhousie Dr., Winnipeg, Canada - or to a charity of one's choice. When I am gone, my spirit will be with you, Like a heartbeat, I will steady you, My soul will be your guidance and my love will be your strength. Do not weep for me, for I am the wind, and the water and the sky. Each day will pass a little easier than the last, But for the days where things seem unclear, Listen to your heart I'll be whispering I'm here NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 22, 2005