JOHN ANTHONY ARNI LAXDAL

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JOHN ANTHONY ARNI LAXDAL October 12, 1936 - February 5, 2012 Peacefully, with his loving family by his side, John passed away at his home in Stonewall. He will be deeply missed by loving wife of 50 years, Kris and their children: Jim (Tracy), Austin; Derek (Hali), Jessica, Jaime; Alison (Daryl), Lindsay, Maeghan, Lachlan; his sisters Joanne (John) Wiebe and Shirley (Don) Tyndal, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by infant son John, parents Jon and Laura Laxdal, parents-in-law Jonas and Hrund Skulason, sisters and brothers-in-law Sigrun and Jack Jonasson, Gudrun and Gordon McInnis, Thor and Herman Skulason. Dad was born in Arborg, Manitoba in 1936. He grew up on Lake Winnipeg in Gimli where he enjoyed fishing, boating, swimming and water-skiing with his friends. The family moved to Winnipeg in 1948 where he had fond memories of living on Home Street and on the grounds of the Teacher's College where his Father was Vice Principal. He took great pride in his work and started out in the refrigeration trade before moving on to Red River Community College where he found his love for teaching. He eventually started his own company and enjoyed being his own boss. He happily worked side by side with his son Jim for many years teaching him everything he knew. Our dad loved his cabin time and although it pained him to leave Gimli, he built a new one at Steep Rock. He lovingly created a place where his family could relax, and enjoy life on the lake. The boys bonded on their annual fishing trips to Cedar Lake and made bets on who would catch the big one that year. He took Mom on adventures down south in the 5th wheel and they spent many winters boon docking in Arizona. He also enjoyed his travels to Australia, Hawaii, the Dominican Republic, and went all over to see Derek play and coach hockey. He suffered his own demons and troubles earlier on in his life but he was able to overcome them with the care and support of his wife and family. Dad measured his life as quality and not quantity and was tough and strong until the end. Happy trails and fishing Gramps! Thanks for everything. We love you and you will always be in our hearts. Your legacy lives on.... The family would like to thank Doctors G. Pinniger, D. Venter, R. Guzman as well as the staff of Health Sciences Centre's Renal Health Clinic, especially Dr. Herman Lam and his caring team for their support. Sincere thanks and gratitude to the Home Care program; we could not have been able to keep him home and so comfortable without all your help. Celebration of John's life will be held at Mackenzie Funeral Service, 433 Main Street, Stonewall, MB on Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Manitoba Branch or a charity of your choice. MACKENZIE FUNERAL CHAPEL STONEWALL (204) 467-2525 mackhome@mts.net

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 09, 2012