CECIL THORSTEINSON ISLIEFSON

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CECIL THORSTEINSON ISLIEFSON It is with great sorrow that our family announces the passing of our dear husband, father and grandfather on Friday, September 27, 2013 at Concordia Hospital at the age of 84. Cecil was predeceased by his parents Thorstein and Osk (Sarah), brother Barney, sisters Lorraine, Julia, Emily, Anne, half-sister Ethel Peters (Sveinson) and infant grandson Daniel. Cecil is survived by his loving wife Deanna, sons Mitchell (Diane), Ronald (Toni), Gary (Carmela), Lyndon (Vicky), daughter Diana Emerson (Curtis), grandchildren Joe, Sarah, Courtney, Erik, Matthew and Jett, his brothers John (Pat), Murray, Allen (Laura), half-sister Ellen (Jonina) Wood, brothers-in-law Bryon Isfeld (Linda), Charles Isfeld (Marilyn), sisters-in-law Margaret Hillis, Jeanne Fortney and Shelley Isfeld. Also several cousins and many nieces and nephews. Cecil was born in Cypress River, Manitoba September 22, 1929. He spent his childhood on the family farm and moved to Winnipeg as a young man. He worked for the Canadian National Railways in the CN Express and later at CN Transcona Stores. He retired in 1989 after 34 years of service. Cecil and Deanna were married March 17, 1956 at First Lutheran Church in Winnipeg. They resided in Winnipeg where they raised their family. Cecil spent his retirement years pursuing his love of music, building violins and other string instruments, 95 in total, repairing various musical instruments, and especially loved playing old time music on his fiddle. He played with several bands over the years and was a long time member of the South Glen Fiddlers. He enjoyed playing on Friday evenings in summer months at Gimli Betel Personal Care Home for their "Happy Hour" and jamming on Wednesday afternoons at Gimli New Horizons and any time he could get together with other musicians. Cecil played at many fiddle contests, placing highly on many occasions, including a first place at the Festival du Voyageur fiddle contest. Cecil's greatest joy was his children and grandchildren. He was so very proud of all of them. Cecil could always be counted on to help with any mechanical problems, whether it was cars, trucks, lawnmowers, tractors, steam engines, any form of implements, especially old ones the older the better. His willingness to give advice or jump in and get his hands dirty, whatever the problem was, will greatly be missed. The family would like to thank all of the nurses, health care aides and other staff on 3W Concordia Hospital for the exceptional care and compassion they gave to Cecil during his stay there. They are truly a wonderful and caring group of professionals. We are forever grateful. Thank you also to Pastor Michael Kurtz for being there for Cecil and the family in Cecil's final days. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 1 at 2:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 580 Victor Street, Winnipeg with Pastor Michael officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Cecil to Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba, Unit 10 120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4G2. Cecil, your music will forever play in our hearts and we know that you have already found some fiddlers to jam with up in heaven. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 30, 2013