HELGI JONES

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HELGI JONES 1916 - 2000 On Sunday, January 2, 2000, at Seven Oaks Hospital, surrounded by his family, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Helgi Jones, embarked on one last journey, the destination his final homeport, a harbour safe from the storms of life. Dad was born September 25, 1916 on Hecla Island at Sundnes, the homestead of his grandparents, Helgi and Valgerdur Sigurdson. His parents, Anna and Thorbergur (Jonsson) Jones later moved to Birkilandi where they made their home and it was there that Dad grew up. On March 21, 1942, he married the love of his life, our Mom, Frances, in a double wedding ceremony with his brother Binny and his bride Kristjana. Mom and Dad lived most of their married life at Hecla. They moved from Hecla to Riverton in 1970 after selling their home to the province for the development of the provincial park. They left Riverton in 1975 and lived in Gimli until 1998 at which time they moved to their present address in Winnipeg. Dad will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Frances; his five children,Patricia (Hallthor) Bjornson, Allan (Betty), Marjorie (Bob) Henry, Stuart(Mugs), Murray (Marg). He leaves also his much loved grandchildren, Harold, Tim (Janice), Stephen (Tara), Alanna, Bradley (Alex), Amber, Lori and Lisa; two great-grandchildren, Patrick and Brandon, whom he loved dearly. He leaves to mourn also his sister Adelaide Webb of St. Albert, Alta.; his sisters-in-law Kristjana Jones of St. Albert and Edith Jones of Winnipeg; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as relatives in Iceland. He was predeceased by his parents Anna and Beggi Jones; his brothers, Allan, Binny, Harold and Beggi; his sisters Einarina and Magnusina; and three infant siblings. At 13 years of age, Dad made his first fishing trip on Lake Winnipeg with his father, thus beginning his life's work. He was a very successful fisherman for over 60 years. Although his ultimate goal, of course, was to catch as much fish as he could, he was ever mindful of the need to protect and preserve the lake and its resources for future generations. His wisdom and knowledge of the fishing industry was sought by many groups and organizations. He attended Marine school in 1971, in Thunder Bay and earned his Captains papers. In 1972, along with his friend Chris Thorsteinson, he designed and built the Lady Frances, a fishing boat which revolutionized living and working conditions on Lake Winnipeg. He had a tremendous love and respect for the lake but never let a little rough weather slow him down. His motto was ships are safe in harbour but ships are not built to stay in harbour. Although fishing was his life's work, he had an unfailing belief in the potential of Hecla Island as a tourist paradise. In 1954, he and Mom started a tourist operation at Gull Harbour offering rooms, cabins and concession services to the travelling public. Velkomin was their trademark and with their warm, friendly Icelandic hospitality, Helgi and Frances Jones and Gull Harbour put Hecla Island on the map. His vision of Hecla prompted Dad to promote the development of the Island as a provincial park and it was, in large part, his efforts and submissions that convinced the government that a causeway was necessary to connect the Island to the mainland. Thirty years ago he told the "government build a good road, clean up the Island, build a thousand cottages and the rest will look after itself." Somewhat prophetic words in light of what has recently developed at Hecla!! Because of his vision, faith and dedication to his birthplace, he was affectionately referred to by some as the Premier of Hecla Island. Always concerned about the betterment of his community and his fellow man he served on various boards and worked tirelessly for improvements to the way of life on Hecla Island. He served for 17 years on the Hecla School Board. He, together with some of the other residents, was instrumental in getting Hydro service to the island, building the road and getting the four-car ferry. He pushed vigorously for and got a larger ferry when the four-car ferry was not adequate. He was a member of the Hecla Help-in-Emergency Club and served as president of the Hecla Church Council for several years. He served as CounciLlor for the Rural Municipality of Bifrost - Ward 6 - the last counciLlor for the area before the provincial parks department took over. He was a very active member of the Area Development Board, instrumental in promoting Hecla as a tourist attraction. He also served as a member of the Fishermens Advisory Board for the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation. In 1982, he was a member of The Action Committee Against Garrison. He was part of a delegation to Washington opposing the Garrison Diversion Project. Although the delegation was initially successful, Dad warned at that time that the committee should never let its guard down thinking the fight to be over. More prophetic words considering the recent developments in regard to Garrison. Dad was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Manitoba for 50 years, and he also belonged to the order of the Eastern Star. In 1986, the Fishermen of the Lake Winnipeg Whitefish Fleet presented him with a plaque acknowledging their appreciation for his Dedication to the Fishing Industry. He was presented, in 1993, with a Commemorative medal to mark the 125th Anniversary of Confederation intended to honor persons who have made a significant contribution to their fellow citizens, their community or to Canada. The Manitoba Progressive Conservative Party bestowed on him its first ever Lifetime Membership. He was the winner of the McDonald-Cartier Award for Outstanding Service to a Progressive Conservative Constituency Association. His foresight and forward-thinking earned him the description "a man before his time." His accomplishments are many, but his greatest concern was always our mom, with whom he shared unquestioned love and devotion and our family. He believed implicitly in the importance of family unity and commitment to each other. We always had his unwavering support and encouragement in whatever we chose to do. If one of us failed at something, he was always quick to assure us You didnt fail, you just tried something that didn't work. A man of the people, for the people, Dad rubbed shoulders with people from all walks of life and he treated everyone equally and saw good in everyone. He always said of people he didn't know they're not strangers, they're just friends I haven't met yet. And meet friends he did, his warm and outgoing nature earned him friends far and wide. A couple we know was vacationing in Europe and when they said they were from Canada, someone asked them Do you know Helgi Jones? Dad was a man of honour, his word was his bond, and he sealed many a deal with a handshake. Dad led a full and rewarding life. He enjoyed reasonAbly good health until abOut six months ago. Blessed with an incredible memory, he just recently finished compiling his Memoirs. What a life he lived - a life with lots of hard work, lots of major accomplishments, lots of sorrow and tragedy and lots of love and fulfilment. We all loved him so much and we will miss him terribly. We give thanks to God for his life. A Service of Remembrance will be held on Saturday, January 8 at 2:00 p.m. in the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Selkirk with Pastor George Johnson officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be all of his grandchildren. Special thanks to the staff at St. Boniface Day Hospital and Seven Oaks Hospital. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to a charity of one's choice. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 06, 2000