ERNEST BALDUR EIRIKSSON

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ERNEST BALDUR EIRIKSSON Ernest Baldur, 94, of Lakeland, MB passed away peacefully on March 19, 2015 after a long healthy life. Ernest was born in Winnipeg on April 19, 1920 to the late Olafur and Gudrun Eiriksson (nee Johannesdottir (Sveinsson-Sigfusson)) of Oakview, MB. He is survived by his daughter Jo-Ann (Frank) Mutcher; son Brian; grandchildren Kris (Pam) Mutcher, Ashleigh (Michael) Steen, Heather (Ian) McLeod, Jenna Eiriksson, Stephanie (Lonny) Branconnier; great-grandchildren Mason and Parker Mutcher, Adalee and Lilja McLeod; sister Margaret Bjornson and brother-in-law Bert Sandercock. Ernest was predeceased by his parents; wife Evelyn; brother-in-law Eric Bjornson; and sister Ella Sandercock. For the first thirty years of Ernest's life he lived on a farm in the Siglunes District where he attended Darwin Elementary School. Ernest often repeated that "farming is a wonderful life," a passion that fueled his existence. In 1950 Ernest and his father Oli moved from Oakview to Lakeland. In 1951 he married Evelyn Sigurdson with whom he would spend the next 51 years of his life. Ernest was an active member of the community who served as a board member for the Grace Lutheran Church and the Langruth Hall Committee. Ernest took pride in his farm, his family and community. After the work was complete, whether it was field work, commercial ice fishing on Lake Manitoba or milking the cows, Ernest would enjoy quality time with his family. Frequently summer Sunday afternoons would be spent touring Manitoba finding a new store for that special ice cream cone. In 1992 Evelyn suffered a stroke, at which time Ernest stepped into the role of primary caregiver, demonstrating incredible adaptability. He became reacquainted with his cooking and cleaning skills and learned to practice physiotherapy. For the next 11 years his patience never waned. Following Evelyn's death in 2003 Ernest continued to live in his home until his passing. Ernest's family would like to express sincere thanks to the home care team that assisted on a daily basis. His continued independence was of utmost importance. Internment will take place at 1:00 p.m., Monday, March 23, 2015 at the Lakeland Cemetery, followed by a 2:00 p.m. service at Grace Lutheran Church in Langruth. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ernest's memory to Grace Lutheran Church, Box 238, Langruth, MB, R0H 0N0 or Lakeland Cemetery, Box 45, Langruth, MB, R0H 0N0. Those we hold most dear never truly leave us They live on in the kindness they showed, The comfort they shared and the love they brought into our lives. -Isabel Norton Clarke's Funeral Home, Gladstone-MacGregor www.clarkesfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 21, 2015