Elaine Arvidson

BEVERLEY ELAINE ARVIDSON (JOHNSON)

December 8, 1944 – December 30, 2018

Elaine Arvidson, aged 74 of Selkirk, passed away peacefully at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre with family by her side. Elaine is survived by her dear husband of 44 years Bill, two children Kris (Sherry) and Britt, and her two granddaughters Zoë and Kaitlyn. She is also survived by her sister Corinne (George), many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Elaine was born in Winnipeg and raised in Gimli. She had a fun-filled childhood filled with mischievous shenanigans at the lake with her sister and friends. Of course, her antics drove her strict school teacher mom nutty but thankfully her dad’s charm and sense of humor always smoothed things over for her.

Elaine was a hard worker having started her working career at Sam’s Cafe in Gimli while still in grade school. Upon high school graduation, she moved to Winnipeg and eventually started working for the Provincial Government at the Legislative Building. When a Provincial Government job opened up in her hometown, she applied and was the successful applicant moving back to Gimli in 1971. 

In 1976, new adventures brought Elaine and family to Edmonton, AB, where she worked at the Alberta Hospital for 10 years. Missing family in Manitoba, they returned to Gimli in 1986 later moving to Selkirk in 1987. Elaine continued with the health sector having worked at Health Sciences Centre, Selkirk Mental Health Centre and Selkirk General Hospital until her retirement in 2012.

Her strength and tenacity to brave the challenges and obstacles that life placed in her way, was a true inspiration to her children, granddaughters and friends. She courageously battled through many health issues throughout her lifetime. From polio as a young girl and fighting to regain her ability to walk, to a horribly aggressive form of vasculitis in which she tried everything she could; Elaine’s various medical difficulties provided the medical field with several case studies. She hoped her experiences would provide the necessary data that would directly contribute towards easing others’ suffering in the future.

She taught everyone who was fortunate enough to meet her that with a little heart, a few laughs and a lot of grit, one can get through anything. She was so thankful to have so many supportive people in her life.

A service of celebration for Elaine’s life will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Selkirk. If desired, donations can be made in Elaine’s honour to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Selkirk or to Before the Bridge Senior K9 Rescue (Box 11, Stony Mountain, MB,  R0C 3A0).

The family would like to thank the Dr.'s and staff at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre, Health Sciences Centre and the Home Care staff for their care and compassion.

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