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IVAN ARNOLD JOHANNES GRIMOLFSON  Obituary pic

IVAN ARNOLD JOHANNES GRIMOLFSON

Born: Jul 18, 1943

Date of Passing: Jan 01, 2017

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IVAN ARNOLD JOHANNES GRIMOLFSON July 18, 1943 - January 1, 2017 It is with heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of our husband, father, Afi, Lang Afi and brother, Ivan Grimolfson at his home in Riverton, MB. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 49 years, Kristine; his children, Derek (Cindy), Bob (Cathy), Christopher (Terri), and Shara-Lynn (Darren) Selkirk; his grandchildren, Kristine, Aidan, Kerri (Matt), Tori (Colton), Grimolfur, Thorarinn, Kacee, Caleb, Oliver, Jenna, Jane, Jake, and Alison; great-granddaughter Bria; sisters Merilyn and Solly; brother Curtis (Holly); in-laws, Arlene (Sam), Lucille and Robert, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Ivan was predeceased by his parents, Grimsi and Dolly Grimolfson, his brother Dennis, as well as very special in-laws and nephews. Dad spent his whole life as a hard worker, from his early years on the family farm in Hecla, to Lake Winnipeg Freighters, various construction companies and Manitoba Highways, but his life as a commercial fisherman was what brought him true joy. Dad's involvement in various community organizations will have a lasting effect in both Riverton and Hecla. He has been a long time member of the Riverton Elks, and was delighted to spend many hours fundraising and helping out with special events. The Gull Harbour Authority, Riverton Co-op, Handi-Van, and Seniors Resource were also boards that he dedicated his time to, provided it didn't interfere with fishing season. He believed that Riverton was a great place to live and was glad to help promote its future. It was a very proud day for Dad when he was able to place a home back on his family property in the Village of Hecla. We have spent many family gatherings there in the past 15 years. Boat rides, bocce ball games, feasts, and visiting on the deck are just a few of the memories that the children and grandchildren have of our times in Hecla. Dad's grandchildren, otherwise known as Afi's Turkeys, were a constant joy in his life. He always made the effort to attend the numerous birthday parties, Christmas concerts, hockey games, skating Carnivals, soccer games or dance recitals. He enjoyed passing on his wisdom and work ethic to his grandchildren as they worked together in the yard or on the lake. Dad was a huge presence in many ways with his size and recognizable hearty laugh, he could not be missed in a crowd! He was a pillar of strength for his family, and gave the best bear hugs. A memorial service will be held at the Riverton Hall on Saturday, January 7 at 1:00 p.m. A private family burial will take place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Riverton Daycare, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
Publish Date: Jan 6, 2017

IVAN ARNOLD JOHANNES GRIMOLFSON July 18, 1943 - January 1, 2017 It is with heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of our husband, father, Afi, Lang Afi and brother, Ivan Grimolfson, at his home in Riverton, MB. A memorial service will be held at the Riverton Hall on Saturday, January 7 at 1:00 p.m. A private family burial will take place. Full obituary to follow in Friday, January 6 Free Press. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com


Publish Date: Jan 5, 2017

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 06, 2017

Condolences & Memories (5 entries)

  • We offer our condolences to Ivan's family. He was a participant in our documentary film about Icelandic-Canadians. We met him for only a very short while at his home on Hecla, and we are indeed very honored to have made his aquaintance. An impressive man. Vertu bleassadur Ivan of sofdu vel. - Posted by: By Your Pants Media Productions (Documentary Film Maker) on: Mar 01, 2017

  • To: The whole Grimolfson family: I was so saddened to read of Ivan's untimely passing and my thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. I only found the obituary on Saturday the 7th while looking for another one so I was too late to even attempt to get to the service. I am so glad to have seen him at Cliff's service. Merilyn, I think of you very often with your recent loss of Neil, as well as concern for your health. I am acutely aware of how devastating that loss is. Please email me as I have lost your address due to the crash of my old computer. I really look forward to hearing from you. Mine is cht.mcat@shaw.ca With sincere sympathy to all of you, Marleen. - Posted by: Marleen Tomasson (Friend) on: Jan 09, 2017

  • We are very sorry to hear about your great loss. He was such a joy to be around. We will miss him - Posted by: Robert & Yooko Osato (Friend) on: Jan 06, 2017

  • So saddened to read this. Valhalla has called another warrior home. Go Rest High my friend. Your work on Earth is done. Say Hi to Grimsi and Dennis. Till we meet again, God Bless. - Posted by: Lindy Johnson (friend/co-worker) on: Jan 06, 2017

  • We were so sad to hear of ivans passing. he was our icon of our iceslandic heritage and of hecla island. Thinking of the family in their sorrow. - Posted by: oskar and sandy kjartanson (cousin) on: Jan 05, 2017

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