THORSTEINN WALLACE (WALLY) EYOLFSON

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

THORSTEINN WALLACE (WALLY) EYOLFSON With sorrow, the family of Thorsteinn Wallace (Wally) Eyolfson, of Riverton, MB, announces his passing, at his home, on March 7, 2018. Wally leaves to mourn his wife Dorothy; sons, Rick (Shirley), Brian (Susie), Steven (Sandra); daughter Colleen (Robert Gergatz); grandchildren, Arlen (Robin) - Kya and baby-to-be; Richelle (Blair Triska) - Ryder and Kiersten; Brett (Kristyn) - Madden, Deklen and Keltie; Christopher (Aubrey) - Teagan, Piper and Freyja; Jackie (Tim Horvat) - Chayse and Kylie; Damon Bostrom (Natasha) - Daniel and Joshua; Michelle Bostrom (Marc Leveque) - Tristan and Maya; Brady (Hayley) -Kashton and Rylynn; Quinn (Amber) - Caelyn, Layne and Colton; Jody - Zachary and Kenzie; Cristy (Rusty Johannson) - Hayden, Eiki, Harlyn; and Amber (Terrance Mowat). In total that is 26 and seven-eighth great-grandchildren! He also leaves to mourn, sisters, Val (late Roy Taylor), Helen (late Sam Sigurdson) and Barbara (late Robert Magnusson); as well as best friend Charlie Ostertag; nephew Wayne Hodgson; as well as many relatives and friends. Predeceased by his parents, Stefán and Gudrún (Austmann) Eyjolfsson and sisters, Irene (late Tom Hodgson) and Jona. Wally was born at the homestead of Akranes in Riverton, MB on January 12, 1929. He was raised and schooled in Riverton and later he attended the Coyne Electrical School in Chicago, apprenticed as an electrician in Winnipeg and subsequently worked as a contractor in Winnipeg, Gimli, the power generating stations in northern Manitoba and on the DEW Line in the Northwest Territories. On September 28, 1951, he married Dorothy May Page, of Hnausa, MB, and they resided in Winnipeg, Gimli, Duluth and Chicago prior to returning to Riverton in 1963 and building their home on the banks of the Icelandic River at "Holi," not far from where Wally was born. This is where they raised their family. The latter 14 years saw Wally employed at Hecla Provincial Park, where he was electrician, plumber and "jack of all trades". Through the course of these years he also farmed at Riverton. He retired from Hecla in 1991. Wally liked to be busy and he always was on hand to build whatever his children and grandchildren wanted built. He loved carpentry and his family could count on him for help and suggestions as to the best way to do things. Wally had a dry sense of humour which he often used to get his point across (and also get his own way). He loved a lively debate and whatever was said he felt his opinion was the correct one. "Okay Dad" was the right answer. Wally loved his regular boat rides down to the mouth of the Icelandic River with his favourite beverage. Likewise he was very particular about maintaining his yard while sipping on his favourite beverage or fixing just about anything in his garage with his favourite beverage in hand. Dad liked his beverages! When Rick and Brian owned firstly the cottage at Paint Point and then Bennett Lake Lodge in Northern Manitoba, Wally loved to fly out and fix whatever and then hunt and fish to his heart's content. Family always came first to Wally and he was very proud of his three sons and daughter and loved them unconditionally. He instilled a work ethic in them and was proud of their accomplishments. They were the focus of his life and they will miss him dearly. At Wally's request, no formal service will be held and a private family burial will be held at a later date. If friends desire, donations may be made to the Riverton-Hnausa Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 149, Riverton, MB R0C 2R0. Condolences, photos and videos may be left on Wally's tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 17, 2018