Obituaries

MERLE BARBARA ARNASON
   It is in great sadness to announce the peaceful passing of Merle Arnason on Friday,  February 17, 2017 at the Charleswood Care Centre in Winnipeg at the age of 92 years.   Merle leaves behind her loving son Steffan Arnason; grandson Aaron Arnason and great-grand-children Andrea, Kayden and Lacklan.   On September 3,1924 Merle was born in Sanford, Manitoba. She was raised by her mother Matilda Milne and her step-father Harry King. She was always full of energy throughout her life, known to swim in the Red River and roller skate for recreation.         During World War II Merle showed her love of Aviation fixing and repairing and maintaining aircraft at CFB Winnipeg. Merle loved to play guitar and the accordion as well as sing and yodel. She counted the late country singer Hank Snow and his wife Minnie among her friends.   Merle’s life-long friends included Charles and Joan Paterson and their mother Doll as well as Grant Gilsason and his parents. Especially close friends were Margaret Slejko-Arnason and Sheila Morris. The Slejko family will have a huge hole in their family as she joined them for every occasion and was loved by all. Her pleasant attitude was always infectious and had a heart of gold who always put others first.   A memorial will be held at a later date for Merle, who will be laid to rest in Gimli alongside her late son Larry Arnason.   Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com