Obituary for Sigtryggur Einar "Tryggvi" Finnson
Sigtryggur Einar Finnson
March 23, 1933 - March 9, 2023
With his family at his side, Tryggvi passed peacefully on March 9, 2023, just shy of his 90th birthday. Tryggvi will be remembered lovingly by Anna, his wife of 64 years; his daughters Lenore (Ted) their children Eric, Janet (Justin) and great grandchild Finn; Janis (Joerg) their children Carmen (Justin), Katja; and son David (Tracey) their children Curtis (Jasmine), Carlyn (Jeff), Calen (Renata), Dayne (Maggie).
He will be missed by his sister Hilda; sisters-in-law Ellen, Sylvia, Linda (Ken) and Josephine and brother-in-law David (Lee).
Tryggvi was predeceased by his parents Fridrik and Helga Finnson; his parents-in-law Kristjan and Phyllis Sigvaldason; sisters Dora, Kristin, Carol and brother Kristjon; sisters-in-law Sigurbjorg and Kristin and brothers-in-law Numi, Morris, Asgier, Joey, Hjalti, Raymond, Robert, Halldor, Rowland and Clifford.
Tryggvi spent his whole life on the farm in Vidir, leaving only for a short time to study agriculture at the University of Manitoba. He and Anna married in 1958 and together they farmed and raised their family in Vidir.
As a strong believer in contributing to the community, Tryggvi supported many aspects of life in Vidir. He served on the Lowland School Board and as President of both the Manitoba Pool Elevator and Arborg Co-op Boards. He also pitched in often, without being asked, to better the community and keep it a vibrant and growing place. He went about in his own quiet way fixing and doing what needed to be done. He enjoyed meeting and dancing in the Vidir Hall with family and friends at the many functions held there.
Some of Dad’s favourite activities were curling, hockey and fishing. He started playing hockey at a young age with neighbours and cousins in Vidir, and eventually joined a team in Arborg, winning a league championship with the Arborg Falcons. He continued his involvement by volunteering as a manager, coach, President of Arborg Minor Hockey and Chair of the Minor League. He was instrumental in having the kids start their season on time, even driving to town in the middle of the night to flood the ice!
Dad’s interests extended to travelling, reading, and talking of world affairs and politics. He and Mom took many trips across Canada and overseas. Together, and often with other family members, they enjoyed sharing breathtaking views and exploring new cultures. As a young man, he went on a memorable guys’ trip to California. When at home, he could sit and 'solve world problems' with those who visited. On summer days when work was done, fishing and camping created the fondest of memories and good times, in particular Sunday gatherings at Gunnar’s beach. Tryggvi very much enjoyed our weekend fishing trips. There was always a great story to be told when we got home!
Dad’s first love was Anna and their family. Together, they worked side by side, building the family and mixed farm. Farm life was his LIFE; he was so proud of how the farm has carried on from his father, to him, his son and grandsons. Dad wasn’t a very expressive man, but we felt his pride and love for all of us. We will cherish all the entertaining stories of the past that he enjoyed sharing with the grandchildren. Many times, he and Mom would quietly celebrate the successes of each daughter, son, their spouses and their children.
The family thanks everyone for their phone calls, messages and visits; it’s so greatly appreciated. Also thank you to the staff at the Gimli Hospital for their warm and compassionate care at this time in Tryggvi’s life.
There will be a family memorial service at a later date at the Finnson farm.
If preferred, in lieu of flowers, a gift in Tryggvi's memory may be made to the Icelandic River Foundation- Recreation Dept., Box 159 Arborg, MB, R0C 0A0; OR the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, Cardiac Division, C1026-409 Tache Ave, Wpg, MB, R2H 2A6.
March 23, 1933 - March 9, 2023
With his family at his side, Tryggvi passed peacefully on March 9, 2023, just shy of his 90th birthday. Tryggvi will be remembered lovingly by Anna, his wife of 64 years; his daughters Lenore (Ted) their children Eric, Janet (Justin) and great grandchild Finn; Janis (Joerg) their children Carmen (Justin), Katja; and son David (Tracey) their children Curtis (Jasmine), Carlyn (Jeff), Calen (Renata), Dayne (Maggie).
He will be missed by his sister Hilda; sisters-in-law Ellen, Sylvia, Linda (Ken) and Josephine and brother-in-law David (Lee).
Tryggvi was predeceased by his parents Fridrik and Helga Finnson; his parents-in-law Kristjan and Phyllis Sigvaldason; sisters Dora, Kristin, Carol and brother Kristjon; sisters-in-law Sigurbjorg and Kristin and brothers-in-law Numi, Morris, Asgier, Joey, Hjalti, Raymond, Robert, Halldor, Rowland and Clifford.
Tryggvi spent his whole life on the farm in Vidir, leaving only for a short time to study agriculture at the University of Manitoba. He and Anna married in 1958 and together they farmed and raised their family in Vidir.
As a strong believer in contributing to the community, Tryggvi supported many aspects of life in Vidir. He served on the Lowland School Board and as President of both the Manitoba Pool Elevator and Arborg Co-op Boards. He also pitched in often, without being asked, to better the community and keep it a vibrant and growing place. He went about in his own quiet way fixing and doing what needed to be done. He enjoyed meeting and dancing in the Vidir Hall with family and friends at the many functions held there.
Some of Dad’s favourite activities were curling, hockey and fishing. He started playing hockey at a young age with neighbours and cousins in Vidir, and eventually joined a team in Arborg, winning a league championship with the Arborg Falcons. He continued his involvement by volunteering as a manager, coach, President of Arborg Minor Hockey and Chair of the Minor League. He was instrumental in having the kids start their season on time, even driving to town in the middle of the night to flood the ice!
Dad’s interests extended to travelling, reading, and talking of world affairs and politics. He and Mom took many trips across Canada and overseas. Together, and often with other family members, they enjoyed sharing breathtaking views and exploring new cultures. As a young man, he went on a memorable guys’ trip to California. When at home, he could sit and 'solve world problems' with those who visited. On summer days when work was done, fishing and camping created the fondest of memories and good times, in particular Sunday gatherings at Gunnar’s beach. Tryggvi very much enjoyed our weekend fishing trips. There was always a great story to be told when we got home!
Dad’s first love was Anna and their family. Together, they worked side by side, building the family and mixed farm. Farm life was his LIFE; he was so proud of how the farm has carried on from his father, to him, his son and grandsons. Dad wasn’t a very expressive man, but we felt his pride and love for all of us. We will cherish all the entertaining stories of the past that he enjoyed sharing with the grandchildren. Many times, he and Mom would quietly celebrate the successes of each daughter, son, their spouses and their children.
The family thanks everyone for their phone calls, messages and visits; it’s so greatly appreciated. Also thank you to the staff at the Gimli Hospital for their warm and compassionate care at this time in Tryggvi’s life.
There will be a family memorial service at a later date at the Finnson farm.
If preferred, in lieu of flowers, a gift in Tryggvi's memory may be made to the Icelandic River Foundation- Recreation Dept., Box 159 Arborg, MB, R0C 0A0; OR the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, Cardiac Division, C1026-409 Tache Ave, Wpg, MB, R2H 2A6.