Jack Valgardson

Jack Valentinus Valgardson
August. 21, 1935-March 27, 2023
 

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Husband and Dad at the age of 87. He went peacefully at Betel Home in Gimli after we all unknowingly, had a great last visit.

Jack leaves behind his beloved wife of 70 years, Dorothy (Dodo) and his three children, daughter Susan (Don), son Tim (Cecily) and son Troy (Lori). He will live on in his 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren who were all Grandad’s pride and joy.

Jack is survived by his brother Norman (Dodie), sister Marion, sister-in-law Diane (Jim) and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Living the long life he did, Jack was predeceased by many. His parents Sveinbjorn and Katherine, stepfather, Joseph Syczylo, sisters Pearl Ann (infant) and Florence, brothers Earl, Dempsey, Allan and Sonny (Zeke) and many more loved ones.

Jack was born on August 21,1935 to Sveinbjorn Valgardson and Katherine Cook in the front bedroom of the family home on 77 3rd Ave in Gimli. His Mother used to joke that he was so big when he was born (11 lb) that he should just “get up and walk”.

Jack married the girl next door, Dodo Olsen, eloping at ages 17 & 16. Quite a scandal but 70 years later they proved it was true love (& Mom had the patience of a Saint).

Almost from the time he could walk, Jack played hockey including a time with the Edmonton Oil Kings but Gimli was in his soul and home he came. He played with the Gimli Wolves and refereed for many years. In the summer he took up golf and spent many evenings at the Arnes Golf Club.

Jack initially worked as a baker at Central Bakery, then drove for Perth’s Drycleaners and owned the Norseman Motel while working fulltime as the blender and part-time tour guide at Seagram’s Distillery until he retired. Jack was always proud of what he did and where he worked, and it always showed through to everyone. One of his fondest memories at Seagram’s was playing Santa for the Children’s Christmas party.

Jack belonged to the Kinsmen for many years, was on the Gimli Credit Union Board of Directors. An interesting fact, Jack’s grandfather, Ketill Valgardson served on the 1st Town of Gimli Council and Jack served on the last Town of Gimli Council before it merged into the RM of Gimli.

Jack and Dodo enjoyed travelling. They went to Hawaii (their favourite) and Mexico several times, on a few cruises and the big highlight, at age 79 & 78, visited their grandson in Vietnam. They also saw much of Canada and many of the States including New York and California.

The simplest pleasures in life brought Jack the most joy. Sunday family drives to find beer bottles to cash in for Chinese food at Sam’s Café, playing “ghost”, being a magician, picnics, swimming, fishing and always looking for wildlife. He loved a good party to celebrate any occasion. Jack was always happiest when we were all together.

It would take a book to write all the memories we have. His infectious smile and laugh will forever be in our hearts. All of your family and friends will truly miss you. We are so lucky to have had you as our Husband, Dad and Grandad.

A memorial service to celebrate Jack’s life will be held at the Gimli Lutheran Church on June 8th at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Jack’s honour to Betel Home Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba, or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank the staff at Gimli Betel for their kindness and caring of our dear Jack and Dad and of course we forgive you for combing his hair the wrong way.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jack Valgardson, please visit our floral store.