BALDUR HAFSTEINN JOHNSON

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BALDUR HAFSTEINN JOHNSON

1937 - 2023

It is with great sadness that the family of Baldur Johnson announces his sudden and unexpected passing on May 26, 2023.



Baldur is survived by his loving wife, Maisie; his three sons, Sheldon (Lara), Brian (Roberta), and David (Tamara); five grandsons, Carter, Riley, Mitchell, Erik, and Matthew; his older brother, Leo and his wife, Beverly; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and fraternal colleagues. Baldur was predeceased by his parents, Olafur and Olavia, and by his eldest brother, Raynard and his wife, Elaine.



Baldur was born in Eriksdale, MB, the youngest of three sons. Raised on the family farm in Vogar, MB, Baldur attended Siglunes School until his graduation. Being a young person in the Interlake Region in the 1950s meant it was necessary to travel to different towns each weekend to attend the local dances. In 1958, at a dance at Hayland Hall, Baldur met and began courting a young woman named Maisie Seymour. In 1960, Baldur and Maisie were married and moved to Winnipeg where they raised their family.

Baldur’s working life was in the fisheries business - first at Keystone Fisheries, and then, for the bulk of his career, at the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation. His work at FFMC took him on many business trips to countless North American cities, as well as twice-annual trips to Europe. In addition to continental European destinations, his overseas business trips also took him to places such as Japan, the former USSR, Egypt, Bahrain, and pre-revolutionary Iran. These business trips earned Baldur many lifelong friendships with work colleagues around the world.



Those business trips also earned Baldur a lot of travel points. After his retirement, Baldur continued travelling, this time with Maisie by his side. Trips together included two Alaska cruises, numerous trips to BC to visit family, and an extended visit to Australia and New Zealand.



In addition to travel, retirement provided Baldur an opportunity to spend more time on the golf course. For many years, Baldur was a member of a men’s seniors league that would meet regularly to travel to various golf courses around southern Manitoba. However, the highlight of every golf season for Baldur was an annual round with himself and his three sons.



Baldur was a long-time member of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Manitoba. In 1970, Baldur was initiated into Red River Lodge No. 172 (WM), and was later affiliated with Corinthian Lodge No. 178, Tuscan Memorial Daylight Lodge No. 141 (WM), and Royal Arch Masons - Prince of Wales Chapter No. 11. He served as District Deputy Grand Master for the 13th District in 2013, and he was honoured to be invited to join the Royal Order of Scotland.

Additionally, both he and Maisie were/are members of Patricia Chapter No. 8 Order of the Eastern Star. In Patricia Chapter, he served as Worthy Patron five times, and in 1999, as Worthy Grand Patron. Baldur was a past Grand Representative to Finland for Royal Arch Masons, a past Grand Representative to Australia, and the current Grand Representative to Oklahoma for The Eastern Star.



From 2006 until his passing, Baldur was Chair of the Masons Care Committee, as well as a volunteer driver for the Masons Care Transportation Program – a program whereby volunteer drivers transport cancer patients to and from their treatment appointments.

Baldur’s favourite occasions were whenever the entire family was gathered in one place. He was immensely proud of the accomplishments of his sons, his daughters-in-law, and his grandsons. Whether on the soccer pitch, the hockey rink, or the concert stage, Baldur was always a supportive presence in the crowd.



Above all else, Baldur was a dedicated and loving husband to his beloved Maisie. Their 62-years together set a shining example of what a true lifetime partnership can be.



“You're my bread when I'm hungry,

You're my shelter from the troubled winds,

You're my anchor in life's ocean,

But most of all, you're my best friend.”

~ Don Williams



The family would like to extend thanks to the WFPS members who attended to Baldur, as well as to the staff at the St. Boniface Hospital cardiac ward for their care.



A celebration of Baldur’s life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday June 7, 2023, Neil Bardal Funeral Centre - 3030 Notre Dame Avenue. For those unable to attend in person, the celebration will be available via webcast on Baldur’s memorial page at the funeral home website.



To share memories and condolences please visit www.neilbardalinc.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Masonic Foundation of Manitoba (Masons Care Transportation Program) at http://masonicfoundationofmanitoba.org/100-club



Safe travels, Afi. We love you.

NEIL BARDAL

FUNERAL CENTRE

204-949-2200

neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 03, 2023