ROGER SVEINN FRIDFINNSON

Condolences & Memories (24 entries)

• Roger, my big brother, always kept an eye out for me, and especially so in these last few years. Many a time he would call and say, "Gonna be home? Got room in your freezer? I'm on my way", all in one breath. Sure enough an hour later he'd be honking the horn outside my living room window to get me to come to the back door of my apartment complex to let him in. Since he had aroused the interest of my neighbors also by his horn beeping or his loud voice saying, "Hi..How the hell are you?" They would open their doors to see what the commotion was. This gave him the opportunity to open the big cooler of meat he was carrying and start handing out garlic sausage or pepperettes to my neighbors. Much to their delight of course. They didn't forget that, and when they heard he passed away, they approached me with tears in their eyes. That is just the impression he left on people. He was an every day Santa. I am missing you so much Roger, but I have also chuckled under my breath every day since you left us, remembering some of the stuff you have pulled off/got away with. I will never say goodbye..so till we meet again big brother. xxxooo - Posted by: Lois Fridfinnson (Sister) on: Nov 15, 2013

• Sorry for your loss, I always enjoyed talking to Roger with every visit to the bar waste. He had such an infectious laugh. Roger and my dad were always talking about the stubborn Icelanders. Cherish his memory - Posted by: Sharon Stadnek () on: Nov 09, 2013

• Intro Firstly I have to thank Ivan for asking me to do the eulogy for dear Roger – my cousin but more importantly my good friend. This is a great honour. ROGER SVEINN FRIDFINNSON Devoted husband to Darlene Loving father to Vincent ,Sheena and Sally Cherished brother to Ivan, Lois, Wanda, Debbie, Diane and Brenda. Favoured Uncle to so many nieces and nephews Friend and Neighbour to actual multitudes Roger was born to Lillian and Kjartan on September 2nd, 1956 and lived all his life in his beloved Geysir district. Roger attended the Island School and then schools in Arborg. Although school ended up not being Roger’s forte – I think principal Tony Sorokowski wore out his strap on Roger – He did manage to charm many of his teachers, especially ‘Mademoiselle Houle’ the elderly French teacher in Arborg at the time, who he would shamelessly flirt with. She loved the attention and I think Roger liked it when she responded very warmly to his comment with her famous ‘Oh Roh-zhay!’ Taking after his father, Roger worked firstly with his hands doing mechanical work, carpentry, surveying and farming. Roger later became the manager at Riverdale workshop, a business operator at 68 Auto and then the manager at the Bifrost Arborg Riverton waste facility. All in all a good life’s work in which he made his mark at every one of these steps on his life’s path. At the BAR waste dump he operated that facility with such excellent organization that it was shown off as a model of what such places should be and he never failed to pass any of the government environmental inspections that would spring up. At 68 Auto he filled a gap in the local business landscape that has never been quite replaced. At Riverdale Workshop his tutelage turned out amazing wood furniture products .– I still use the small kidney benches he sold me - Here he also created tremendous gains in self worth and self esteem for the client workers there and developed a lifelong following at the same time. All Good Stuff! While all this work activity was going on Roger and Darlene were also busy raising three beautiful children and going through all the struggle and self-sacrifice that that involved. It was tough work but --- They did a great job! Vinnie, Sheena and Sally are testament to that. Again this would be a life’s work to be proud of for almost anybody. But Roger was not just anybody. Roger was a CHARACTER!! My first recollection of Roger standing out and amping up the the squirm factor and the fun factor at the same time was when I was about 10 yrs old . – Roger and I were wading in our rubber boots through the spring time puddles near his house. Roger sees a huge clump of frog’s eggs floating in the water. I did kind of a yuck!! reaction to this find. - Roger saw an opportunity! He dipped his hand under the eggs and scooped up as many as his hand could hold and slid them into his mouth and down the hatch. - I cringed - Roger roared with laughter and quickly gulped down another handful just to drive the point home. I thought - this guy was fun to be around! -- I was right! After that there were many years of whining in my family – mainly from me – to the tune of ‘Let’s go to Kjartan and Lillian’s’ said like it was one long word. Knowing that destination had farm animals, hay lofts, dogs, cats, Lillian’s ever present ‘Nanaimo Square, lots of kids, lots of fun and of course Roger made it the favourite of many, including me. There was no place on earth that was more fun than there. I never did get enough of it. Next came Motorized transportation for Roger. Look out! The minibike gave way to a car, another car, a motorcycle, a faster car, ooops a missing driver’s license, a much faster car and then thankfully slower cars and trucks and such. Roger saw the automobile as a whole new way to elicit screams and yes, more squirms out of his passenger friends than anything he else he had to that point in his life. From ploughing down poplars with his ’59 Oldsmobile to purposely driving into and then out of roadside ditches at at 80 miles an hour or more. This all done to the delighted and horrified screams of his passengers. Wild stuff! I wasn’t with him on this occasion but it has become a part of Geysir folklore. The new low level ford crossing had just been installed in the Icelandic River east of Arborg and not too many people knew it was there. From recent rains the Icelandic River had risen above the concrete hiding the passage from sight. Roger was driving his ’65 Chevy with a carload of friends cruising around the countryside one summer night, having a nice civilized beer or two – don’t be trying this kids, it’s very dangerous – Anyway, Roger drives slowly up to the river’s edge at the crossing site and declares that he’s going to drive through the quite vigorously flowing water. Everyone is now very concerned as no one in the car except Roger knows about the crossing and they all think they’ve convinced him to turn around. As he begins backing away Roger slams the car into drive and tears off through the river and across the hidden crossing all to the roar of the engine, the splashing of water, the blood curdling screams of his passengers and the trademark raucous laughter of one Roger S Fridfinnson. They were more than squirming. – So – once through safely, Roger of course turned around and goes through again. Just for fun. That Roger! It was some time later before all those along that night realized that Roger had ‘had them on’. {On a side note I have to warn everyone that driving through such a flooded crossing is not a good idea and the side effect of drowning is more than a distinct possibility, I have to thank our cousin Eric for that reminder years ago.} On a non-automotive topic and earlier in his life Roger was getting his tonsils out in the Arborg Hospital. He had saved his apple juice from breakfast and poured it into a urine sample jar he had reportedly been given. Rumour has it that one of the nurses was predictably horrified when Roger grabs the sample jar in front of her before she could collect it, chugs the contents down and tells her that he had to ‘Run it through one more time’. Can you see Roger laughing? Can you see the nurse shrieking? Roger was a huge fan of Shock value and he delivered each dose of it with the perfect timing of a seasoned pro. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As we all know Roger was great for having fun and we all remember many more examples of his antics as we were growing up. But Roger was a lot more than a funseeker. Roger was above all the most generous individual I have ever known. His generosity took many forms – Firstly - he was the consummate perfect host. Whether it was a full meal where there was always room for one more place at the table, an impromptu coffee time snack or a quick bite of his homemade sausage and/or pepperoni sticks or pepperettes as he called them. Roger gave and gave, never expecting anything back except maybe a smile and the satisfied look of someone eating something very tasty. I think Roger may have learned this from his mother Lillian. Lil or Lily of the Valley or any of the other pet names he had for his long suffering and loving mother. She was a great entertainer and hostess – Roger once said to me of Lillian that she loved her kids so much that should any of them pass on before that she would not be able to survive such a happening, Secondly, regarding Roger’s generous nature, he was a giver of solace, comfort, wisdom and strength to countless individuals. Solace and comfort to those experiencing losses and hard times. Wisdom to those looking for guidance on their next steps in life. Steps that they may not be sure of. Strength to carry on, Strength to love and to love again and the strength to do what’s needed to support those around you. Pretty deep stuff for such a fun guy! Wanda thought Roger’s ‘ministering’ started in earnest at 68 Auto. Ivan knew it continued and flourished at the BAR dump. He knew it was very strong there because people would regularly make their way there without what one would think would be a constant. They would bring no garbage! What was it that attracted people? Not the scenery, not the aromas, maybe a free delicious pepperette?, maybe a hot cup of coffee? --- We know what it was, or more correctly who it was, it was Roger and his big smile and his effervescent nature. It was some sage advice, a pat on the back, a sympathetic ear and his ability to send them off with their troubles eased just a bit. It was what they needed inside to take on the days ahead. The members of his flock could count on Roger getting his unvarnished straightforward opinion. Maybe not what they wanted to hear but for most, what they needed to hear. Roger also knew that talking and smiling weren’t all that was needed to help people through tough times. Physical human touch was a powerful element in Roger’s psychological arsenal. Not the hurtful kind of physical touch that puts human failings on display but the kind we all need to maintain our well being. This is the kind of touch that your pet seeks out for their comfort, like a scratch on the chin or behind the ears or a pat on the head. Roger knew that human beings need a pat on the back, a big hug or even some good natured rough housing or wrestling. It gets those feel good endorphins going. Newborn babies need physical contact to thrive and Roger knew that all people needed some form of that as well. Maybe that’s why all us damn Icelanders do so much hugging when we meet. It’s actually therapy. Roger was an accomplished hunter and marksman. His steady aim and incredibly sharp eyesight stood him in good stead whether he was providing for for family and friends with his deer hunting – or dispatching a malevolent coyote or two. Bragi related a story to me about hearing three rifle shots ring out near his farm one evening. Bragi soon after got a call from Roger telling him that he hoped he didn’t mind, but he had taken care of two coyotes on Bragi’s land. It had taken 3 shots as the first shot was low and Roger simply raised the rifle enough to compensate for the distance and hit his marks on the next two shots. Bragi surveyed the scene the next day and found the coyotes were done in on a dead run directly away from Roger (not broadside) at a distance of a ¼ mile. Amazing! Roger’s sharp eyesight was evident throughout his life . He was able to easily spot wildlife on a distant tree line while driving or as Bragi also told me, and spot an ailing bull from their cattle herd partially hidden by trees at a distance of ½ a mile. I heard a funny story from Ivan about Roger and a very young Vinnie out deer hunting. The two of them are huddled close together in the bush when a large buck appears in a nearby clearing. Roger is intently watching the animal waiting for his opportunity and then Vinnie starts tapping his Dad on the arm and shoulder. Roger thinks Vinnie is alerting him to the buck in his sights and stays quiet not wanting to spook the animal. The tapping from Vinnie continues more incessantly and Roger continues to ignore it until he hears the snorting and rustling of another large buck directly behind him and Vinnie, preparing to defend his territory against the other buck. At this point Vinnie and Roger created their own ruckus spooking both animals snd resulting in a clean getaway for the deer and a rare shutout that day for Roger and Vinnie. Roger paid more attention to the observations of his young hunting partner after that. For all Roger’s rough housing ways he really was quite the perfectionist. His collection of tools and shop equipment were always kept in perfect order – easily accessible, in perfect condition and ready for the next time Roger needed them. When Roger was making his patented sausage and pepperettes everything had to be just right and he ensured that the quality never wavered. When he tended a garden it was also in perfect order with no weeds to be found, sufficiently watered and carefully harvested. The fruits of Roger’s labour would be generously distributed by him amongst those near and dear and to others who just needed a little extra. Sharing his hard earned bounty with others was just Roger’s way – and he loved to do it. I have to mention more about Roger’s relationship with his dad Kjartan - a true prince of a man - from whom Roger learned so much. It was not always smooth sailing between them. Like in Roger’s rebellious teenage years when Kjartan was trying to get his second son to ‘toe the line’. He would, only half-jokingly, say to Roger ‘I can still take you out in the deep, deep snow’ and knowing Kjartan he probably could have. Roger knew that, too. Roger’s pet name for his Dad was ‘Mr. Fertility’ as evidenced by the massive brood he and Lillian had brought up. I don’t think Kjartan minded the name. Besides, Kjartan knew that protesting to Roger would only urge him on. In Kjartan’s later years he and Roger kept the morning coffee ritual going to their mutual enjoyment. I know they really enjoyed each other’s company especially along with all the other family members. The etymology or origin of the name Roger is quite interesting. Literally translated as ‘famous spear’. A legendary 6th century Danish King Hrodgar was immortalized in the epic poem ‘Beowulf’ as a brave and victorious warrior and as an honest and generous ruler. Pretty close to our dear friend Roger I’d say. I invite you to look up the 17th and 18th century usage of roger as both a verb and a noun. Our Roger would be delighted to make you squirm with delight one more time. Here’s my Grab bag section – a little of everything Oestervellum or Oysterville as it was called. About a 2 year party with many attendees lots of fun and many pots of ‘dang strong coffee’ Darlene and Roger solidified their coupleness around this time. The tree house built by him and Ivan. His first refuge outside the home place and a must see for all his peers. Interesting reading material was also found here. Sally and Roger bow hunting. Roger was very proud of Sally’s skill. Vinnie had just completed 10 years of service at the Co-op Gas bar. Way to go Vinnie. I know your Dad was happy for you. ‘This ass would look good in Hawaii’ I think Sheena may have been the main recipient of this line from her Dad. Wanda’s last motorcycle ride. 90 miles an hour down a gravel road courtesy of big bro Roger. They both survived unscathed. Cousin Blair gasping for air on the back floor of the black 440 Camaro convertible because the car was going so fast he couldn’t get his breath as all the air was being sucked out of it. Too fast! Roger lovingly referring to Darlene as his ‘Bed Wench’ and Darlene knowing it was the highest of compliments. Roger had another notable bed partner before Darlene – One of Lillian’s fully cooked turkeys – tucked away in the fridge awaiting the next day’s family dinner- it was whisked off to bed after a particularly momentous night of carousing – As Lois told me – all that was left was the bones and a half-empty ketchup bottle. – He was a bit peckish that night. Keeping Sheena mobile with all her car trouble. Roger was being a good dad. Harassing all the kid’s visiting friends in such a way that they all loved him. There’s a long list here. Having all the kids and Darlene think of Roger not just as a dad or a husband but as the best of friends. The ‘Feelings’ sessions with Omar singing and Roger on guitar. These well practiced routines started with Roger suggesting the song ’Feelings’ to Omar and then continually exhorting Omar to add ‘more feeling’ to his delivery until the quiet beginning turned into a laying on the floor screaming session. At this point the crowd might be inclined to pipe in with ‘less feeling’ to calm everything down. Ray Marquette reminded me of this side splitting routine. Roger and Darlene collaborated on a clock making venture that lasted many years, Roger would provide the woodworking skill to produce the base or clock face for each piece. Darlene would then add her artistic touch and provided each one with a beautiful hand painted background. Roger would then add the timepiece mechanism and the clock was done. Darlene would also produce beautiful paintings of landscapes, wildlife scenes and other subjects. Roger was proud of Darlene’s artistic talent. These works of art would often become treasured gifts to those close to them that were celebrating special occasions. Sheena and Sally will both be expanding their families in the near future. The prospect of becoming an Afi was something that Roger was really looking forward to. Roger would of course have put his own spin on this and expressed good-natured concern about being married to an Amma. Darlene would then have one more reason for an “Oh Roger’. Roger is now gone but his memories will remain strong. Each of us will have our own special remembrances of an exceptional individual. Darlene, Vinnie, Sheena & Sally and all of us will have to learn to live without him. How I remember my dad is by thinking of all the Leifur-isms that would emanate from him and I would think about what would dad say and do - for any given scenario. If you think about it a little bit you will come up with the of the appropriate Roger-ism answer to your daily dilemmas and challenges. He would always look to make the best of any situation, no matter how serious or dire. Losing our beloved Roger is plainly a painful and distressing situation. He was too young, too full of life, had too much to give and was so appreciated and adored by so many. We have to ask ourselves, what would Roger want us to do? We know he wouldn’t want us to languish in despair and give up on life. Life is too precious. He would want those closest to him to think of him often. (That won’t be hard) . He would urge us to find a bright spot every day and make the best of that day. We will all mourn his passing but then we will reflect on what he has given us. Roger has given himself to us as his greatest gift. We’ve been the beneficiary of some amazing stuff and we must be happy for this knowing that he gave more in his too-short time than most would provide in many life times. Thanks Roger from all of us. - Posted by: Lance Fridfinnson (Cousin and Friend) on: Nov 09, 2013

• Our deepest sympathies to Darlene, Sheens, Sally, and Vincent and the Fridfinnson and Hjorliefson families. All these messages have the same thread regarding Roger's positive attitude, friendliness, sense of humor. He was one in a million, and we will miss his presence. Have reminisced about him a lot this week. Our hearts go out to the family. X0 - Posted by: Bob and Candy Cherepak (Friend) on: Nov 09, 2013

• Dear Roger, the world is a much better place for having you in it. Thank you for your contagious laugh, the "Count", the black camaro, Fridfinnson football and the parties and so much more!! You were such an incredible support to Grace and to the community. Always so positive and so caring. Roger, your gifts will be felt through the wonderful family you shared...Darlene, Vincent, Sheena and Sally. Our hearts are with all you now. You may be gone from this world but you will not be forgotten. - Posted by: Tamie (Fridfinnson) Archer (cousin) on: Nov 09, 2013

• Roger sold me a 88 Oldsmobile car and I drove it for years. Roger was kind and so helpful. He was the kind of person that you would remember forever at just one meeting. I would call him Mr. Personality Plus. To the family, I am so sorry for your huge loss. R.I.P dear Roger. Bless Bless. Góða Nótt elskan. - Posted by: Kristine Palsson (Friend) on: Nov 09, 2013

• Roger, you were one of a kind! Laugh, laugh, funny-funny. A great friend and advisor. There was always something interesting happening or in the planning stage. Your contagious spirit will live on forever, has to, it's one of a kind. Deepest condolences to Darlene, kids and family. Take care. - Posted by: Brent Erlendson (friend) on: Nov 09, 2013

• Roger has been a part of my life since I can remember. As my dad's best friend, I would hear endless and endless stories and the two of them and what they got up to. Many stories I love to re-tell to my friends from out of town because they are simply pure gold! As a little kid I remember being intimidated and a little scared of Roger - he was just so loud and would tease you all the time. As I grew up though he became someone I enjoyed visiting and talking to. I am lucky enough to be good friends with Sally, and also friends with Sheena, both from whom I got another separate collection of Roger stories. Two of my younger siblings worked with him over a few summers at the Bar Waste, and they too told endless Roger stories. In that way, Roger will never be forgotten, the stories...everyone's got one. - Posted by: Heida Simundsson (Friend and Neighbour) on: Nov 09, 2013

• My deepest condolences to The Fridfinnson and Hjorleifson families! I used to enjoy Roger's weekly visit to the lab to visit Sally using bringing donuts as an excuse I think! Haha! He was a very generous and kind man with a HUGE sense of humour! We will miss him! But sadly those two little grand babies will never get to meet him. I can guarantee though, he will always be watching over them! - Posted by: Monique Smith (Friend of the family) on: Nov 08, 2013

• When I visited my brother 3 years ago from Scotland, Roger took me for a drive around Arborg and showed me, with pride, his parents first house and various other landmarks. I enjoyed his company and was very pleased that he took the time to show me around. Rest in peace Roger...Anne x - Posted by: Anne McLean (Sister of Rogers neighboura Gary and Carol) on: Nov 08, 2013

• Dear Roger, You were always willing to lend an ear and give good advice, even when we were teenagers. You were my rock music mentor and my ticket to freedom - I can't believe mom let you be responsible for me on those crazy nights out! I'll never forget the time you took me for a ride on your new motorcycle - 90 mph on a gravel road. You were a fearless daredevil, and then much to our surprise, you grew up, got married and settled down. You and Darlene were like yin and yang, and the kids adored you; you were even a bigger kid-pesterer than dad! You had so many friends near and far because you were quick-witted and the world's biggest tease. I just can't believe that you're gone - my world will never be the same without that roaring laughter. I'm so glad you were my brother. Love Wanda - Posted by: Wanda Sparkes (sister) on: Nov 08, 2013

• When I started working in Arborg Hospital and P.C.H. Many years ago. I always had car problems I would need a boost or locked my keys inside or had a flat tire a very close friend of mine (Isabel) Roger's mother-in-law said she would call him to help and that he wouldn't mind. he came and always helped me out no matter what time it was or the weather conditions. I would also offer to pay him but never would he take a cent but every time I remember him saying you just help someone else out one day! he always had a smile on his face. Just wanted to let him know that all the help meant so much and was always appreciated and that I did pay it forward many times!!! Rest in peace my condolences to your family - Posted by: Kim Bahniuk () on: Nov 08, 2013

• Sad and sudden was the call So dearly loved by one and all His memory is as sweet today As in the hour he passed away... Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time... Hugs!!! - Posted by: Jonson family (Friends/neibors) on: Nov 08, 2013

• My deepest condolences to Darlene and the Fridfinnson & Hjorleifson families. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all right now. - Posted by: Tracey Jonasson (Yaremus) (Friend) on: Nov 08, 2013

• I am so sorry for your loss. Roger was a wonderful man. I have so many wonderful memories babysitting at your house. - Posted by: Erin Stagg (cousin) on: Nov 08, 2013

• I don't even have words for how much you'll be missed and what a strong and special impact you made on everyone who ever met you. My deepest sympathy goes out to Darlene and the kids, and all the family. You are all in my thoughts, prayers, and heart during this very difficult time and always. Lots of love, Robyn - Posted by: Robyn Thompson (Cousin) on: Nov 08, 2013

• To dad I'm gonna miss u so very much u were the best dad ever. Love u and gonna miss u and mom and me and the girls are ok - Posted by: Vincent fridfinnson (Son) on: Nov 08, 2013

• Roger was a great person. He was my uncle, my friend and a mentor to me. he taught me so much and was always there for me whenever I needed anything. There are so many stories I can't narrow it down to tell one but he was an amazing person and will never be forgotten. I love to hunt and a big part of that is thanks to Roger. He loved it even more than me and I will forever think Rog is out there hunting with me. Thank you Rog I love you and always will. - Posted by: Kent Fridfinnson (He was my uncle) on: Nov 08, 2013

• Many of my memories on the farm include Roger and I especially remember that belly laugh. So sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Marie (Cinq-Mars) (Old friend) on: Nov 08, 2013

• Rog was the most positive person I have ever met. It was impossible to leave a visit with him without a laugh and a smile. - Posted by: Tyler (Nephew) on: Nov 07, 2013

• So Sorry for your loss, our prayers and thoughts are with u at this time of loss. Roger was a great person with a big heart, great personality and had a knack for making people laugh through the good times and the bad. He will be missed, cherish the memories they last a life time. - Posted by: Sherri Shewchuk and Tony Vaughn,Doris & Oli Einarson (cousin and aunty and uncle) on: Nov 07, 2013

• Everthing was true especialy the coffee and long talks at Bar Waste. Our very best to the family. - Posted by: George ^ Doreen Howell and Family (Fr4einds) on: Nov 07, 2013

• To the Fridfinnson Family, I used to go to school with Roger & considered him a good friend. He was an amazing person with a Big sense of homor & even a bigger heart. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you all in this sad time. - Posted by: Bernice Okaluk (Zubriski) (School Friend) on: Nov 07, 2013

• Memories are now all what we are left with. I especially recall your teenage years, those times when your antics drove Ken The Carpenter off the wall. I worked a number of years with you guys. They were some of the best years of my life only blessed by visits to your place of work lately. Forever Honored to have known you. JACK - Posted by: John F. Sigurdson (Cousin and Friend) on: Nov 07, 2013