HARALDUR (HAROLD) RAYMOND BJORNSON

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HARALDUR (HAROLD) RAYMOND BJORNSON January 18, 1927 - October 24, 2013 On Thursday, October 24, Haraldur Bjornson, of Riverton MB passed away, at the age of 86. Harold was a loving husband, father and afi, who will be truly missed by Margery, his wife of 51 years, sons Robert, James and Ryan, granddaughters Chelsea and Sabrina and great-grandson Hayden, as well as numerous family members and friends. Harold was predeceased by his parents Gudjon and Juliana Bjornson, parents in law Baldwin and Helga Baldwinson, sisters Gudrun Chapman, Alice Arthur, Norma Kirby, Geraldine Finnson, brothers Bjorn and Asvaldur and daughter-in-law Liza Bjornson. Harold's passion was farming, which he did his entire life, first with his father and brother and later with his sons. Harold ran a very successful farming partnership with Barney near Riverton MB. Much of the farm's success was due to Harold's willingness to try something different. He hit a home run when he pioneered the introduction of Birdsfoot Trefoil into Western Canada. The crop presented many challenges in this climate but with Harold's innovation and inventiveness, he was able to develop new farming practices and modifications to existing farm machinery that allowed the crop to flourish. Harold also was involved in other business ventures including a seed cleaning operation plus a logging and lumbering partnership he operated with his brother Barney until 1972. When he was 19, Harold went to a local dance in Ledwyn where renown local band `Johnny And His Musical Mates were performing. Having brought his guitar, he asked to play with them. After a few numbers, his skill with the guitar led to him being invited to become a permanent member of the group. He became an integral part of the group for over 60 years and appeared on all three albums the band produced. His silken voice and mellow picking was quickly recognized around a fire, at Christmas sing-alongs and get-togethers, from Riverton to Mesa, Arizona. Harold was a kind spirit who will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know him. A celebration of Harold's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 2nd at the Riverton-Hnausa Lutheran Church. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Harold's memory to Riverton-Hnausa Lutheran Church, or the Riverton Community Cemetery. Done working I spent my life a-working, My chores were never done. With calloused hands and sweating brow I did them one by one. But now that I'm done working, I'll lay my burden down, And rest in his own loving hands, God's paradise I've found. Do not grieve for me my loved ones, My working days are through. Remember me with loving thought, As I remember you. God eternal memory. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTER 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 30, 2013