William (Bill) Harold Jonasson

(BILL) WILLIAM HAROLD JONASSON

Bill (William) Jonasson: loved by all, kind-hearted, loyal friend, talented curler, always helpful, amazing husband, father, Afi (Grandpa in Icelandic) and LangAfi (Great-Grandpa) passed suddenly on Monday, April 19, 2021 at the age of 81 years. 

Bill will be lovingly remembered by his family: wife Dot, son Kevin, daughter-in-law Karen, grandson Matthew, granddaughter Miranda and great-granddaughters: Nevaeh, Natalie-Skye, baby Kinsley as well as brother Ralph (Margaret) and sister-in law Lynne and families. 

Bill, the blue-eyed “Silver Fox” was remembered by everyone that met him as he always had time for everyone and truly enjoyed the simple things in life; spending time with family and friends.

Bill is now with his predeceased daughter Kimberlee, mother Halla, father Thidrick, sister Snjolaug, brother-in-law Jim, brother Ted, and many family-in-law’s and friends he held as family in his heart. 

“We know they were all there to meet you into Heaven as we said goodbye to you on this Earth.”

Bill grew up in Big Point, MB near Langruth. He lived on the family farm, still being worked by family, a mile or two from the shore of Lake Manitoba.  Growing up, Bill enjoyed playing baseball, hunting and fishing in his community and worked with local commercial fishermen in the winter. After he left the farm, he held down numerous young adult jobs such as Manitoba Game and Fish, University of Manitoba bookstore and Johnson Terminals now the Forks in Winnipeg. He settled on his career as a letter carrier for Canada Post, walking the streets of Winnipeg for 31 years through sleet, snow, rain and of course sunny days, enjoying all the people he would see daily. Again, making friends with everyone and every dog he met.

Bill and Dot met in Langruth, MB. Dot had quite a pitching arm and Bill was the back catcher. What a “catch” he was. They had their first date on New Year’s Eve and were married that next October. They celebrated 58 years of marriage and managed to stay in love to the end. Bill was suffering from dementia but stayed positive and tried to keep a smile on his face. He always loved and appreciated Dot and the care she always gave him. They were still found holding hands under the supper table or on the couch together. 

Bill loved sports and had the chance to participate in his true love of curling and golfing. He golfed out of the Windsor Park golf course and frequented courses around the city and province. He curled for many years with Transcona and East St. Paul Curling Clubs. His proud curling accomplishments were many and he travelled around Canada playing with his teammates John Gifford, Brian Taylor, Don Iwanoczko and Bill as Lead. 

The most memorable was being inducted into the Postal Curling Hall of Fame with good friends in 2001. This brought a trip to the east coast and a celebration in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

Bill and Dot moved to Transcona in 1973 and lived on Day Street for 45 years. They moved from Barber Street with their two children Kimberlee and Kevin. Bill regularly enjoyed many trips with his family back to both homesteads in Langruth and Pipestone visiting family. Bill also enjoyed fly in fishing trips to Echo Lake and hunted with his brother Ted, son Kevin and nephews Kory and Bob. 

Bill and Dot coached for Oxford Heights CC for Kimberlee and Kevin’s teams. Most of the time they were the only parents cheering on the kids as well as picking up and dropping off for games. The ol’ green station wagon was filled with the entire team and equipment. Good thing seatbelts weren’t mandatory back then. 

Bill, Dot, Kimberlee, and Kevin loved to camp and fish. They went all over Manitoba frequenting Grand Rapids, Lake Manitoba Narrows, Blue Lake in Duck Mountains, Clear Lake in Riding Mountains, and Willow Island south of Gimli.  They went many places with good friends Stanley and Tina Chubaty and their family. 

Once he retired, Bill enjoyed gardening, growing the best crop of tomatoes every year. He battled with the neighbourhood rabbits over some Icelandic poppies one year, finally building the best rabbit-proof fence around them. Perhaps those were the same rabbits he and Dot raised, feeding by hand once the nest next door was disturbed. They were so proud the tame rabbits came back each year, except when the poppies were involved. 

Bill also enjoyed his hand at woodworking. He was so proud to make hand-made puzzles, animal hangers, wooden ironing board and iron, and many Christmas keepsakes for the grand kids. They are happy to be able to pass them onto their own children from their LangAfi.

Bill and Dot were blessed with many, many long time friends. They made friends wherever they went and with whatever group they joined. Many great friends and memories were made at the curling rink and travelling around Canada with the team and the wives. They also belonged to the Heritage Club, Transcona Mall Walkers, Kidney Club, Devonshire Co-op, Transcona Legion, and Transcona United Church. 

Bill’s soft, kind, genuine soul will be missed but never forgotten.

“Goda nott astin min (Good night sweetheart).”

Corrine LaMarre Funeral Director in care of arrangements:

C.J. LaMarre & Co. Funeral Services

204-960-9898

corrinelamarrefd@gmail.com

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