NOEL FRANKLIN GUDBJARTSON

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NOEL FRANKLIN GUDBJARTSON

December. 4, 1964 - May 20, 2024

Fighting a valiant Viking battle - Franklin left this world on May 20, with Jo-Anne by his side.

He leaves to mourn his wife Jo-Anne and their dog-daughter Margaret. His siblings Norman (Mavis), Joanne (Ron), Daniel (Jean), Loren (Ginny), Julianna (Wayne), his nephew Chad (Kamara) and niece Leah and mother-in-law, Maria Bear and all of his nieces and nephews who he loved and loved him back! He was the ultimate “Funcle”. Franklin’s stepchildren - Jo-Anne’s children, Tanya (Jeff), Michelle (Jason), Barry (Ashleigh) and all their children. Franklin was thrilled to be called an Afi/Grampa to all the grandchildren. Franklin was predeceased by his dad Hordur (Harry) 1984, his wife Laura Bear 2012, his mother Emilia (Emily) 2017; brother David 2018, infant siblings John (1959) and Gudrun (1960),

Franklin was raised on the busiest block in Riverton and loved his hometown. His dad had a great mechanical ability and intuition that he passed on to Franklin. It started early with his Chitty Chitty Bang and progressed to go carts, mini-bikes, then motorcycles and numerous cars, trucks and vans! Oh his vans! He loved old cars all his life - cruising was one of his favourite pastimes, especially driving the backroads looking for old cars and trucks.

After a short stint in Winnipeg, Franklin found himself pursuing a mining career in Leaf Rapids in 1988 for H.B.M.&S., followed in Thompson in 2001 for INCO.Early in his mining career he came to be known as “Spanky” in Leaf Rapids with his buddy Barry and made many lifelong friends. He missed all these friends and the northern life (even if he wouldn’t admit it!) when he moved south. He was thrilled when his “Lil sister Julianna” moved North and they got together often; he was always available for babysitting and just hanging with his nephews, his northern boys, Owen and Patrick.

He retired ‘down’ south to his beach house, with the million dollar view - he was so very proud of it and loved his little slice of heaven on earth. He continued to work, first for Parks in Hecla and then Manitoba Highways before retiring for good to enjoy life with Jo-Anne!

Motorcycles and Harleys were always his passion, and he was beyond thrilled when he was able to purchase his “Fat Boy” in 1990. He LOVED that bike! He upgraded to his Super-Glide and loved nothing better than heading out on the open road and enjoyed many rides with his friends and family!

He was so lucky to find love for a second time and was blessed with 8 years with Jo-Anne who looked after him right to the end. They enjoyed so many adventures and had many more planned, but cancer robbed them of the opportunity. Her children and grandchildren became a part of his life which he treasured.

We will all miss his twinkling Blue eyes, whit, knowledge of all things outdoors, kindness, generosity and love for life and his laugh! He was a good friend and was loved by so many!

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Riverton Community Hall, followed by coffee and fellowship. His ashes will be interred at a later date. Franklin’s family wishes to extend their gratitude to family and friends and all those who have supported us during this time.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in his memory to the New Iceland Heritage Museum, Gimli MB; as Franklin was so very proud of his Icelandic heritage or Cancercare, MB.

Góða Nótt !

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 25, 2024, May 25, 2024