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JOHANN MAGNUS (MIKE) GUTTORMSON
Born: Dec 25, 1926
Date of Passing: Apr 01, 2023
Offer Condolences or MemoryJOHANN MAGNUS (MIKE) GUTTORMSON
Peacefully, surrounded by his family at Betel Home in Gimli, our sweet dad passed away on April 1, 2023.
Predeceased by his beloved wife Doreen “mom” (Jonasson) in 1999, only son Michael in 1995, dear grandsons, Corey Guttormson in 1995 and Jared Jonasson in 2013, loving parents Oddur and Gudny (Hermansson), siblings, Herman (Mabel), Bjorg (Arvid) Elliott, Agnes (Bill) Lang and Thor (Noreen); nieces, Jean and Mavis; nephews, Sherman and Jimmy; Doreen’s parents, Tomas G. and Orianna (Magnusson) Jonasson, her nine siblings and their spouses; many relatives, friends, and fishing buddies.
Left to cherish our pabbi’s memory are daughters (his girls), Doris Bristow (Clayton), Heather Jonasson (Ryan), Cindy Guttormson (Derek) and Irene Zink. Proud Afi and Lang Afi to grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Amanda Zink (Rob), Luna and River, Adam Zink (Jaime), Henry, Daisy, and baby on-the-way; Sarah Jonasson (Sasha), Daran Jonasson; Jessica Guttormson (Brent), Tristen, Michael and Grace; Chelsea Bristow; Joshua Muttner. Loving big brother to sisters, Anna Forgey (Don), Lulu Rebizant (late Joe) and Diane Gard (Charlie). He was uncle Mike to many nieces and nephews.
Dad was born at home on the family farm in Husavik, MB on Christmas Day in 1926. He was namesake to his mother’s cousin, Johann Magnus Bjarnason, a well-known poet, author, and teacher, who mailed him letters in Icelandic with $1 every year on their shared birthday. Pabbi loved working hard on the farm, milking cows, haying, and doing chores morning and night. Icelandic was spoken at home, and he learned English once he started school. He didn’t have far to attend Kjarna School, which was located next door on land donated by their family. Ranking first in his class, he skipped from grade one to three. His childhood included delivering milk from their dairy farm, being pulled on a sleigh by their St. Bernard dog Bruna to pick up groceries from Thorsteinsson’s General Store a mile north on Husavik Road and riding his bike to deliver newspapers. He told a story how he was run over and dragged by a car while delivering papers on his bike, and the carrier bag saved him. His brother Thor helped him straighten the bike so their mother wouldn’t find out and cancel his source of candy money. He continued to work on the farm in partnership with Thor, even when employed full-time.
Dad met and fell in love with his beautiful future wife Doreen in Arborg, where she worked in a cafe. They had lots of fun at dances in Vidir and Geysir Halls. Mom and dad were married in Winnipeg on October 10, 1953 and celebrated almost 46 anniversaries. Together, they raised their family in Sandy Hook and then Gimli, where our lives were filled with lots of love and laughter, big family gatherings with Guttormson and Jonasson relatives, and never boring. They shared a love of laughter, fishing, gardening, camping, picking berries, beachcombing, bonfires, picnics, travelling, visiting relatives, and going for drives in the country. Dad enjoyed mom’s delicious meals and baking, especially vinarterta and ponnukokur. He loved and missed her very much.
Employment included painting cottages and Air Force houses, commercial fishing for neighbour Joe Isfeld, Central Warehouse at Gimli Air Force Base, then Bottling and Maintenance at Seagram’s Distillery, where he made many friends before retiring in 1987. He also helped fillet and smoke fish for commercial fishermen and was famous for making the best hardfish from pickerel and perch.
When he wasn’t working, dad loved to keep busy. He enjoyed picking mushrooms, playing cribbage (even a week ago), ice fishing, angling (several Manitoba Master Angler certificates, including one 18 lb. 4 oz. Northern Pike), listening to polka music, Tergesen’s book launches, reading, watching hockey and curling (Kerri Einarson’s biggest fan). He taught us kids and grandkids how to ride a bike and fish, work hard, and enjoy life to the fullest. Hunting and fishing trips with Michael, and mom’s nephew Jeff Jonasson, who said “He influenced me to be the man I am now as much as my own father did” (RIP Jeff). The annual Islendingadagurrin was a special time to watch the parade, cheer for family sports, visit family and share his special hardfish.
A resident of Betel Home since April 5, 2017, dad continued to enjoy his life, visiting with family and friends, handing out Werther’s candies, winning BINGO, folding laundry, clapping to live music, exercising, watching birds feeding at his window, and giving his famous TWO THUMBS UP to show his love and appreciation. Aunty Lu loves her new home in Betel and was so happy being close to her big brother Mike. Heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful, caring Betel staff, who provided excellent care to our sweet dad.
Dad was strong, happy, thoughtful, kind, sweet, very silly, independent, generous, loving, humble, punctual, organized, and he never, ever complained. His legacy lives on in his wonderful family.
A quote from our dear friend, Veanne Torfason Hudson “I love your dad, he has always been the happiest guy I’ve known.”
In keeping with his wishes cremation has taken place and there will be no service. A private interment in Husavik Cemetery at a later date.
Donations in Mike’s name may be made to Betel Tea Trust (c/o Recreation Department) or Betel Home Foundation (tax receipt), 91 First Avenue, Gimli, MB R0C 1B0, or a charity of your choice.
Publish Date: Apr 8, 2023
JOHANN MAGNUS (MIKE) GUTTORMSON
Publish Date: Apr 4, 2023
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 04, 2023, Apr 08, 2023
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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This is so beautifully written. Condolences to the whole family. - Posted by: Diana Bristow (Friend ) on: Apr 09, 2023
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I loved Afi like he was my own and have so many fond memories with him. He taught me many important life lessons including looking both ways when crossing the road (plus an extra look just to be sure) and how to fish! A beautiful, kind soul who loved everyone around him, he will be dearly missed and always remembered. Love and prayers to the all of the family. - Posted by: Anji Patel (Family friend) on: Apr 08, 2023
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My condolences to Josh, friends and family! - Posted by: S. Muttner (F.) on: Apr 08, 2023
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A beautiful tribute to a wonderful, caring, and gentleman. You've his smile and joy reflected in his eyes Doris. Much love to all. - Posted by: Diane Alexander (cousin) on: Apr 08, 2023
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I'm so saddened to see this news girls. I have very fond childhood memories of Uncle Mike. Such a kind loving man. May your wonderful memories of your dad help to ease your pain at this difficult time. RIP Uncle Mike. - Posted by: Glenda Gard (Family) on: Apr 08, 2023
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Mike was not only a brother, he was a friend. He had a great sense of humor and over the years we shared many jokes and used to make each other laugh. When we were young, we had many of the same friends and in the summers there would always be something going like marshmallow or wienie roasts, swimming, hunting for mushrooms, picking berries and a host of fun things to do, like riding around in an old Model T Ford truck on its rims. Tires were rationed. World War two was going on! Mike was a very kind and thoughtful man and will be missed by all who knew him. - Posted by: Anna Forgey (sister ) on: Apr 04, 2023