HARALDUR BJORGVIN BACKMAN

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HARALDUR BJORGVIN BACKMAN It is with great love and sadness that we announce the peaceful passing, surrounded by family, of a great man, Haraldur Bjorgvin Backman, on October 31, 2012, at the E. M. Crowe Memorial Hospital in Eriksdale, MB. Harold was born October 28, 1921 to Kristine and Gudni Backman in Clarkleigh, MB. Harold spent most of his life in the Interlake area. Three years were served in the Royal Canadian Air Force as an engine mechanic on the Tiger Moth and the Fairchild Cornell Aircraft at the Virden Elementary Flying Training School. Independent, responsible and ambitious, his life was filled with hard work and dedication to the growth of every position he was in, from Beef Farmer to Dairy Farmer to Post Master in Lundar. With his pioneer spirit, and dedication to his community, he volunteered much of his time over the years and served in many varied capacities: Municipal Counsellor of Ward 3 of the Municipality of Coldwell, for 12 years, during which time they brought in a town sewage system, paved the streets, created a fire department and ambulance facility; Member and Volunteer of the Lundar Fire Brigade; Representative of the East Shore Ambulance Service and Volunteer Ambulance Driver, along with his wife Adeline; School Trustee of Morning Star and Lundar School District; Member and Secretary / Treasurer of the Area Development Board; Served on the Hospital Board for six years, helping to build a Doctor's Clinic and secure a Doctor (Dr. Neil Burnet) for the Lundar area; Was one of the Founding Members of the Lundar Seniors Home, being involved in its planning and building, serving as Director, until taking over as Secretary / Treasurer for 29 years; One of the founding members of the Lundar Flying Club, serving as Secretary / Treasurer for 35 years; Secretary / Treasurer / Organizer of the All Canada Goose Shoot for many years; Secretary / Treasurer of the Legion for 20 years, serving one year as President; Served at the Legion Bingo for 45 years; Secretary / Treasurer of the Lundar Elks Lodge for 29 years, serving two years as the District Deputy and one year as the Exalted Ruler. His capacity as a volunteer culminated in receiving the Premier's Volunteer Service Award in 1974, which was presented by the Honorable Gary Filmon. His passions included music, singing, airplanes, good friends and family. Many joyful hours were spent playing music with his family and friends. He was a member of the Melodiers and also The 1940's Playboys and they enjoyed playing for many dances and events over the years. Entertaining the seniors with music at the Care Homes also brought him much joy. He owned three different aircrafts, and spent many happy hours in the sky. Harold is predeceased by his siblings from his Dad's marriage to Kristine (and their spouses); Kristjan (Ina), Hjortur (Stella), Elinor (Steve) and Clara (Bill). Harold is also predeceased by his sister Dorothy's husband, Keith. Harold is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Adeline; his Dad's wife Vera; his siblings from his Dad's marriage to Vera ; Charles, Dorothy, Winston (Diane) and Earl (Candace); his daughters; Darlene (Fred) and Sheryle; his grandchildren; Geoffrey (Sasha), Pamela (Mike), Jarrod and Anthony . A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at the Lundar Community Hall with Pastor Terry Throndson officiating. A burial will follow at the Lundar Municipal Cemetery followed by a reception at the Lundar Community Hall. Our heartfelt thanks for the excellent care from the nurses and staff at the Eriksdale Hospital, Dr. Burnet, the Home Care Staff, John and Karen Gray of Arnason Funeral Home, Pastor Terry and the many wonderful friends and family who have supported us on this journey. Husband, Father, Uncle, Brother, Papa, provider, protector and friend.....he lived a long healthy life. With family by his side, he had just celebrated his 91st birthday. In lieu of flowers, donations in Harold's memory, can be made to the BPO Elks, Fund For Children, in care of Elsie Johnson, P.O. Box 63, Lundar, Manitoba R0C 1Y0 or the Lundar Legion Hall, in care of Maureen Johnson, P.O. Box 47, Lundar, Manitoba R0C 1Y0. He is now safe in God's care. Till we meet again, we will miss you with all of our hearts!!!!! Arrangements by: ARNASON FUNERAL HOME Ashern - Lundar 1-204-768-2072 1-866-323-3593

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 03, 2012