SAM SIGURDSON

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SAM SIGURDSON With family by his side, Sam passed away at the Pembina Place Personal Care Home on Sunday, September 23, 2012, at the age of 85 years. He will be deeply missed by his daughter, Dana Sigurdson (Doug Moors), and grandsons Daley, Stefan and Kaden; his son Michael Sigurdson; brother Bjorn Sigurdson (Dorothy), and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Jon and Sigrun; brothers Lindal, Johann, John, Baldwin, Thor, Frank, and Marino, and sisters Peggy, Gudrun, Finna and Helga. Sam (Sigurdur) Sigurdson was born on July 30, 1927 to Jon Sigurdsson and Sigrun Sigvaldadottir on a farm named Vidir in the Manitoba Interlake area. Both Sam's parents immigrated from Iceland - Jon in 1883 and Sigrun in 1910. Sam was the ninth of 13 siblings growing up on the farm his dad Jon homesteaded in 1905. Sam completed high school and went on to complete Normal School in 1949. He later completed Bachelor and Master degrees in education furthering his interest in adult education and as a resource teacher. He first taught in Gypsumville, Manitoba and then went on to teach in British Columbia and Ontario. He married Helen Eyjolfson in 1960 and had two children. They moved back to Winnipeg in 1966 when Sam started working for Winnipeg School Division No. 1. Sam spent many years working for the Winnipeg School Division teaching geography, history and English language arts in high school and adult education at the Winnipeg Adult Education Centre. Sam enjoyed teaching and went on to work for Indian and Northern Affairs, teaching and consulting in many aboriginal communities throughout Ontario and Northern Manitoba. In those communities he spent his time as a resource teacher and very much cared for the aboriginal children he worked with. He worked well past his retirement years and did his last northern teaching contract when he was 78 years old. He taught for over 56 years. He didn't feel he was useful or contributing to society unless he was working. Sam also enjoyed many years of volunteer work with the Winnipeg Lion's Club. He was involved in many fundraising ventures to support Lion's Manor, volunteered at the Buffalo Barbecues and was a dedicated member for over 35 years. Sam also felt a strong connection to the legions in Winnipeg. He signed on as a reservist with the Canadian Armed Forces as a young man and maintained his association with Manitoba legions for over 50 years. He spent many happy summers at Detroit Lakes and Grand Beach with his family and he travelled to Iceland twice for family reunions. Sam was also very dedicated to his children. He instilled the values of education, love and acceptance in both his children. Sam's three grandsons, Daley, Stefan and Kaden were very special to him and share his love of coin collecting. His children would like to thank the caring staff of Pembina Place Personal Care Home, including the dietary staff for all of the many cinnamon buns he enjoyed. We also thank his two companions Suzanne and Louise for all of the care and support they provided for Sam. We would especially like to thank Helen Sigurdson for all of the unconditional love and support she has provided. A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 1 at 1:30 p.m. at Epiphany Lutheran Church at 200 Dalhousie Dr. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sam's memory to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba or a charity of your choice. THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 29, 2012