ALAN J. THORLAKSON

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ALAN J. THORLAKSON

August 1, 1941 – October 3, 2023

Surrounded by his family's love, Alan Jon Halldor Thorlakson peacefully passed away on October 3, 2023, at 82.

Alan will be deeply missed by his wife, Roma; children, Kirsten (Derek) Dupley, Cheryl Thorlakson (Scott Waugh), Erik (Michele) Thorlakson; stepsons, Justin, and Brandon Klein; grandchildren, Katelyn and Justin Dupley; Aidan, Kristjan and Emily Waugh; and Olivier, Chloe and Teo Thorlakson. He is survived by his brothers, Gordon and Dave Thorlakson and sister, Karen (Len) Vopnfjord and many nieces and nephews.

Alan was born in Gimli, Manitoba, to parents Valgeir and Dora Geraldine Thorlakson, nee Breckman. He grew up in Gimli and then Atikokan. When Alan was seventeen, the family moved to Humbug Bay, where he worked alongside his father commercial fishing on Lake Winnipeg. Building and living in a log cabin in remote and harsh conditions, without running water or electricity, shaped Alan's resilient and confident character. Most importantly, it created a close bond with his family.

The family then moved to Winnipeg. Alan earned a Business Administration Degree from Red River College before attending the University of Winnipeg to earn a double major B.A. with distinction, followed by an M.A. in Psychology from the University of Manitoba. A strong advocate of life-long learning, Alan also attained the F.CIM/CIM/P.Mgr. designations from the Canadian Institute of Management, the Certified Management Consultant (CMC) professional designation and the Life Office Management Association (FLMI) Fellowship.

Alan's career boasts 27 years of management experience with Great-West Life and 14 years as a Partner with The Harris Consulting Corporation. Here, he led and grew the career transition, coaching and psychometric assessment practice and was an early promoter of the importance of Emotional Intelligence. After retiring, Alan continued to provide assessment services under A. J. Thorlakson Consulting Corp.

Alan enjoyed serving as Director and President on the Canadian Institute of Management board, presiding over many of its committees and became a Life Member in 2004. He was also President of the FLMI Society of Winnipeg, President of Toastmasters, and Fund-Raising Representative for the United Way of Winnipeg. He also served on the Literacy Partners of Manitoba board.

Alan received an Officer's Commission with the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada in 1966.

As a Competent Toastmaster who was regularly asked to speak, Alan's humour engaged business and academic audiences. At home, Alan was a 'Master Storyteller' with a wide repertoire of jokes and stories.

Alan expressed his artistic talents through many avenues - woodworking and carving, photography, landscape painting, deck and cottage building, Intarsia, mosaic stonework, gourmet cooking, baking, harmonica playing, and choir singing. He was generous with his time and gifts to help his family. He enjoyed gatherings at the cottages, camping, canoeing, birding, music, and campfire singalongs and was an avid reader and award-winning dog trainer. Alan was also proud of his Icelandic heritage and loved to make vinarterta at Christmas.

Of all his accomplishments, Alan took most pride in his three children, raising them with unconditional love, patience and guidance with his first wife, Karen.

In 2004, Alan married Roma, who worked in the same professional field in Ontario. He welcomed her grown sons, and they, too, loved his gentle, kind nature and sense of humour. They were most grateful for his love for their mother.

Alan and Roma built a new home by the Red River and designed and created beautiful gardens featured in the Winnipeg Free Press and MMGA Garden Tour.

Despite living with Parkinson's for 16 years, Alan was healthy, active and optimistic, determined not to let the disease define him. Only in the last while could he no longer pursue some of his interests, but with Roma's support, Alan continued to enjoy his home and gardens until the end.

Alan was an amazing man whom his family and friends loved.

We thank the St. Boniface Hospital staff for their care and compassion during Alan's brief stay.

Instead of flowers, we encourage you to donate to Harvest Manitoba by phone 204 982 3663, EFT (donations@harvestmnaitoba.ca) or online.

Alan's life will be celebrated on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Neil Bardal Funeral Centre at 3030 Notre Dame Avenue.

NEIL BARDAL

FUNERAL CENTRE

204-949-2200

neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 14, 2023