GUDMUNDUR (GUMMI) HAFSTEINN JONSSON

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GUDMUNDUR (GUMMI) HAFSTEINN JONSSON March 5, 1921 August 14,2014 Gummi passed away peacefully on August 14, 2014 at the Lakeshore Hospital in Ashern, Manitoba, at the age of 93. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, Shirley; children Thor (Gudny), Lynn (Larry) and Kimberly (Bradley); grandchildren, Burke (Andrea), Kristy (Ryan), Quinn (Dena) Jennifer (Luke), Katelyn (Geoff), Kent and Jón; great-grandchildren, Koen, Kiersten and Finleigh; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Sigridur and Thorsteinn; stepmother, Unnur; brothers, Baldur (Florence Barnes) and Steingrimur (Cara Grant). Gummi had a full life living nearly all of it on the farm he was raised on in Oakview, MB. He moved away for a brief five months to Morris, MB working on a farm earning 75 cents a day. He saved enough to buy four cows and started his herd. Dad farmed until he was 80 years old and attended regular cattle sales in Ashern until recently. During his life he did many jobs to supplement the farm to make a living including cutting cordwood, threshing in the fall, trapping, and ice fishing as far away as northern Lake Winnipeg. He would try new farming techniques and was never stuck in the past but rather always looking forward for improved methods. He provided much advice and guidance for many years to his son and daughter who also farmed. Dad enjoyed baseball and along with Mom, encouraged their children to partake in the sports that were available in the area including baseball, curling, football and volleyball. Gummi had an instinct with animals that made him sought after when neighbours would have trouble with cows, horses or even sheep. Once the phone came to the area, it wasn't uncommon for him to be called in the middle of the night to go and help someone with one of their animals in need. And he always went. He could perform many difficult procedures with few instruments and saved many animals. Dad was a councillor of the RM of Siglunes for 23 years and a school trustee for Darwin. He was a 4-H leader of the Dolly Bay Beef Club and coached the Siglunes baseball team. He and Mom also joined MB Farm Vacation in 1972 and met many wonderful families and hunters who would come back year after year and became long-time friends. Dad was always up to travelling with Shirley and their children visiting places such as Iceland, England, Wales, the Netherlands, the USA, Canada and he spent several January's in the Cayman Islands with his daughter and her husband. There were many sporting trips also taken to watch grandchildren playing their sports. He offered his support to so many. Gummi and Shirley moved to Ashern in October 2013 and have enjoyed the friendships of those living close by and those who would come in for a visit. Dad always enjoyed visiting and would enjoy going out for morning coffee whenever possible. The family would like to extend their gratitude to home care - Helen Webster and her team - all the health care aides, schedulers, palliative care nurse, and social worker. This support, along with family and neighbours allowed Gummi to stay at home as long as he did. Sincere thanks to Dr. David O'Hagan for the special care he provided over so many years. Also thanks to the Lakeshore General Hospital staff. In keeping with Gummi's wishes, a private family grave side service will take place. A celebration of Dad's life will be held on Monday, August 18, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ashern Legion with Pastor Bill Watson officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gummi's memory can be made to the Lakeshore Hospital Guild: PO Box 721 Ashern, MB R0C 0E0 or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to ANDERSON FAMILY FUNERAL HOME Ashern, MB 1 866 293 4951

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 16, 2014