MAGNUS BJORN THORVALDSON

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MAGNUS BJORN THORVALDSON On April 14, 2012 Mike passed away peacefully in his sleep at his residence, at East Selkirk, MB. He was predeceased by his wife Wanda Thorvaldson (Bjornson), father and mother Albert and Emma Thorvaldson and sister Deirdre Smith. His memory will be cherished by his son Darrell (Janice) and children Dale, Paige, Christine, Shaylene; daughter Tracy and children Joshua, Tyler, Ashlynn; stepdaughters Norma-Jean (Rod) and Pierrette, and their children Randy, Samantha, Rod Jr., Jade, Tosh and Mateo. Mike is survived by his brothers Thor (Anna), Larry (Brenda), sister Elaine (David Swainson), and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be missed dearly by his many friends. Best friends and neighbours, Lenny and Sherry, will hold their memories of their dear friend close to their hearts. Mike was born on May 15, 1940 in Vita, MB, and grew up on the family farm in Piney. In 1959, he began his career working with the Province of Manitoba as a forest ranger trainee. He graduated from Maritime Forest Ranger School in Fredericton, NB in the Class of 1961. He then began his career as a Conservation Officer (CO) with the Department of Natural Resources. With true dedication, he was proud to serve with postings in Garland, Minitonas, Marchand, and for five years was the CO In-Charge of the Whitemouth District. He was an expert in Forestry and enjoyed the hard work of timber cruising and forest fire fighting, as well as the planning and management of our provincial forests. Mike was a respected authority in the rural communities where he lived. He exercised his law enforcement authority with sound judgment, compassion, balance and fairness. He was a leader in every situation, and no matter what, he drew on his ability to consistently put people at ease. He was a friendly, humble and proud man who believed in respect and lived a life of courtesy. Mike exemplified courage, wisdom, and strength in the day-to-day challenges of being a Conservation Officer. Only a few of his stories are told in the published book, Mighty Men of the Forest. Mike was a dedicated civil servant and in his workings across the province he gained the respect of all. In 1975, he was promoted to a management position in the Natural Resources Crown Lands Branch, in Winnipeg. He enjoyed a 36 year career that culminated with being promoted to the position Chief of the Provincial Wild Rice Program. Towards the end of his career, he enjoyed the airplane excursions of seeding many of Manitoba's natural wild rice paddies. He had quiet and humble passion for this province, our people and all our natural areas. Mike did more than his part to conserve our forests, protect our wildlife, and help those in our rural communities work together to manage our Crown Lands. Mike was a supportive father to Darrell and Tracy. He encouraged them through their schooling and supported them through their post-secondary education. Mike also encouraged Darrell and Tracy through their many extra-curricular activities, especially Darrell's many years of hockey. Mike's passion for agriculture was renewed when he started farming the land of his youth in the early 1980's. Mike, his son and his father broke the land once again, and for many years, enjoyed the hard work that came with running a farm. Mike enjoyed many hours on his John Deere, as well as, the extra time with family and friends in Piney. Mike and Wanda's upbringing in Piney gave them many stories of their youth. Together, their generous nature allowed them to have numerous borders, of which gave them lifelong friends. Mike's natural ability to entertain always ensured that people who made the first visit would return. Mike was a fun-loving and generous person who always saw the humour in every situation. Both his smile and laugh were infectious. His sense of humor and wit will forever be unmatched. In his youth, he enjoyed playing baseball and hunting. He took pleasure in the annual deer hunting trip to Piney, and enjoyed camaraderie with old and new friends. He was a talented public speaker and was called on frequently for this service. Throughout his entire life, wherever he lived, he enjoyed the company of his many friends. His natural abilities enabled him to provide counsel to a lot of people, and all understood what a privilege it was indeed to know this man. He was a father, a grandfather, a brother, an uncle and a friend. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2012, in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel, Selkirk, MB at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Stan Richards officiating. A private ceremony will take place at the Badger Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mike's name to the Manitoba Natural Resource Officers' Association (www.mnroa.com) Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 19, 2012