This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
On Friday April 22, 2022, with his wife of 30 years and his daughter by his side, Gunnar Jon Helgason passed away at home, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Beloved husband of Lynda. Loving father of Gunnar Bryon (Charito) and Jennifer (Jackson). Proud grandfather of Sigurdur and Leif. Dear brother of Albert and uncle to Colleen. Gunnar loved his family, all things Canadian and his Icelandic heritage. It is impossible to encapsulate the spirit of this larger-than-life human being. He was a brilliant accountant, successful businessman, Icelandic horse breeder and gentleman farmer. A man of immense integrity, compassion and intelligence. A connoisseur of all life had to offer. He particularly enjoyed travelling, collecting, fine wines, good food, and golf. A life well lived. We want to thank the amazing people who helped us- our long time case manager, Shelley, homecare nurses Melany and Cailyn, our PSW angels, Alana, Caitlyn and Marie and last, but not least, the incredible people at Ed’s House who provided us with support and an ability to immediately access one of 10 amazing physicians. We will be eternally grateful to one of those physicians, Dr. Mark Essak, who took Gunnar’s care on so compassionately and helped us cope with the unknown. At Gunnar’s request there will be no funeral. Donations to Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice would be appreciated.
Dear Lynda, I think of Gunnar often and have tried to find him online every so often through the years. I was so saddened to come across this notice today when he came to my mind. I wish I had had the opportunity to thank him for giving my first job in accounting so long ago at iSource. So much of what I’ve accomplished in my life, I owe to that start. He was an incredible mentor and such a good person, a joy to know. My very best wishes to you and the rest of the family. Lori
Elsku Lynda og börn Gunnars. Ég votta ykkur mína innilegustu samúð vegna fráfalls Gunnars. Mikið yndislegur maður er genginn á vit feðra sinna. Gunnar var mikið einstakur maður. Hann elskaði allt sem að íslenskt var og var ötull við að láta vita að hann væri í fimmta ættlið frá Íslandi og kynni bara nokkuð góða íslensku. Hann talaði töluvert góða íslensku og gat beygt orð eftir föllum. Hann var mikill áhugamaður um Íslenska hestinn og þegar efni hans hjá fyrirtækinu hans glæddust, þá sótti hann í að versla sér hesta frá Íslandi. Gunnar setti sig í samband við mikinn og öflugann reiðmann Íslenska hestsins, Sigurð Sigurðarson og þeir versluðu nokkur hross saman og fluttu til Canada. Þetta var í kringum 1990. Helst voru þetta þæg og góð reiðhross, mest merar, sem komu fylfullar til Can. Fallegar og mikið skemmtilegar merar. Ég fékk að kynnast þeim, þar sem að ég kom til starfa hjá Gunnari 1990, er hann réði mig til að sjá um hrossin hans og jörðina hans Gimli Farm, sem hann verslaði þar rétt áður. Enn voru samt hrossin hans úr fyrsta innflutningi enn hjá Susan Hodgeson, rétt við Toronto. Eftir að Gunnar hafði flutt hrossin sín fyrstu út, urðu þau að vera í sóttkví. Það var mikið kostnaðarsamt. Seinna þegar Gunnar gat haft innfluttu hrossin sín heima á Gimli Farm var þetta mikið léttara og ódýrara. Þá var ég að vinna hjá honum og leið alveg eins og ég væri í Himnaríki. Á mörg albúm mynda frá þessum tíma. Hrossin að lenda, hrossin koma úr vélinni, Hr fara í bílana, bílarnir koma heim í GF, hrossin teymd út og inn í hesthúsið. Á allflestum myndum eru Gunnar og Lynda, brosandi út í eitt yfir því að fá hrossin sín heim. Það er varla hægt að minnast Gunnars, án þess að minnast Lyndu líka. Ég var þarna 1989 - 92 og náði að kynnast Gunnari og Lyndu, nokkuð vel. Þau voru alltaf jafn ástfangin. Þau komu að jafnaði um aðra hverja helgi að Gimli Farm, nema að þau hefðu boðið vinum sínum út að borða og þá valið einhvern af þeim frábæru veitingastöðum sem voru þá við lýði. Þegar þau komu í sveitina var iðulega farið að vitja hryssnanna og folada og svo var stundum lagt á góð hross til reiðar. Gunnar var mikið gáfaður maður. Hann var hneigður til Bridge og þegar hann var í Háskóla, var hann kominn í Canadíska Landsliðið í Bridge. Hann spilaði með landsliðinu um nokkurra skeið og það á meðan hann var í námi. Reyndar tók hann sér pásu á milli anna, þegar hann og félagar hans fóru á HM í Bridge. Svo kláraði hann sitt nám með bravur. Gunnar var ljúfur og góður vinur vina sinna. Sumum treysti hann um of og það varð til að það var nartað í ökla hans. Hann stofnaði, Icelandic Water, með Sól hf, og Davíð Sheving. Það var óhappaspor hjá Gunnari mínum. Hann trúði bara ekki að nokkur Íslendingur ætti það til og gæti farið illa með nokkurn mann. Félagið gekk vel og þarfnaðist stækkunnar. Þá var vélasamstæða versluð inn í fyrirtækið, sem átti að anna margfaldri átöppun en var í gömlu vélarstæðunni. Nýja samstæðan kom aldrei til Íslands. Davíð, sveik velgjörðarmann sinn og stl samstæðunni þeirra félaga og landaði henni í Færeyjum og setti hana upp þar. Sendi Gunnari bara fingurinn fyrir að treysta sér svona. Helvítis drullusokkur sem Davíð er/var. En svona er kanski buisnessinn í dag bara. Gunnar lagði mikið á sig til að auglýsa Íslenska hestinn í Ontarío. Hann sendi mig á gríðarlega margar hestasýningar með nokkur hross til sýningar, í Canada. Hist og here. Gunnar Helgason var mikill hugsjónamaður, elskaði fjölskyldu sína og gerði allt sem hann gat til að halda henni saman. Hann elskaði allt sem að Íslenskt var. Hann elskaði að spila Bridge. Gunar var mikill og góður gestgjafi og þótti gaman að bjóða til veislna á Gimli Farm. Gunnar var mikill áhugamaður um Íslenska hestinn og lagði mikið á sig til að flytja inn Ísl. hross, til áframhaldandi ræktunar og tamingar. Sendi börnum hans og Lyndu mínar samúðarkveðjur. Með Gunnari Helgasyni er gengin mikill og góður maður. Blessuð ævinlega verði hans mikið ljufa og góða minning.
I am so sorry to learn of this. I send warm condolences on behalf of everyone at First Lutheran Church in Winnipeg, especially to Al. I wish you all every blessing.
Dear Lynda and Family I just found out about Gunnar's untimely passing. My sincere condolences to you and to your family. I knew Gunnar professionally and personally. He was a wonderful and very bright, compassionate human being. I did legal work for him and for his many clients. I also played friendly poker in a group with him for a long time. His sense of humour was very quick and witty. I am so sorry for your loss. Sincerely George Koroloff
Miss him lots
Sending our condolences to Lynda, Jennifer and the Helgason families. I knew Gunnar as a good neighbour and a gentleman farmer. He excelled at both. How well known was Gunnar? I won’t soon forget the time on remote British Colombia’s Haida Gwaii when I met and became friends with a fellow of proud Icelandic stock from Manitoba. Of course I had to name drop Gunnar Helgason in the conversation to which he causally responded by saying that he knew Gunnar. I was a bit sceptical at first but after answering several skill testing questions it was apparent that he did in fact know Gunnar and his brother Albert. Lol. Gimili farm was one of my favourite places to bale hay because of the natural beauty, the views, the meticulous grounds that Gunnar and Lynda maintained, but most of all the people. RIP Gunnar
Lynda and Family- Our sincerest condolences on Gunnar’s passing. We have thought of him often over the years and while we have been out of touch, our memories are very fond. Larry passed in November of ‘21 but reminisced kindly of Gunnar many times. He was a lovely soul with tones of charm. We hope you find a new path and cherish all your times together at this difficult juncture. Arlene (Paron) and Vincent Iantomasi
Lynda & family and Albert & family I was saddened to hear of Gunnar’s passing. I have many happy memories of family gatherings. Thoughts are with you and your families during this difficult time. Margaret Thorarinson (Tomasson) Winnipeg
Dear Lynda and families Am so sorry to hear of Gunnars death My prayers are with you all Would like to hear from you sometime xxMae Leguard
Lynda, my heart goes out to you. As you know, Bill and I both enjoyed all the times we spent with Gunnar and you. Gunnar was a great conversationalist and one of Bill's favourite person to talk to and listen to all of the wonderful stories we heard from Gunnar. I am sure both of them are now up there discussing everything from golf to what is happening in the world today. RIP Gunnar you will be missed!
I am so sorry to hear of this. Gunnar was incredibly kind to me and he would tell me stories about my father which was so fun to hear. I will picture them together joking around with one another.
So sorry to read about the passing of Gunner, thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. respectfully Josephine
Lynda I am so sorry for you and your families loss. Thinking of you at this difficult time. (Judi from the Co-op)
Lynda I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. So many great memories on Gimli farm. Sending lots of love your way.
The world is a little darker now. I will miss him greatly
I have lots of fond memories of Gunnar, so many from the horse farm. I always enjoyed a glass of wine in his company aswell. You certainly were an inspiration to Alicia and we’re so grateful for that . You will be greatly missed ❤️❤️❤️
Gunnar was one of the kindest hearted men that I am so thankful to have got to know. Working with Gunnar and his beautiful wife Lynda was nothing less than a wonderful experience. Gunnar was so kind. I could always get a smile out of him, and he sure did have a great smile. I am forever grateful to have met you. We will miss you. See you again, my friend.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Lynda, Des and I are so sorry for your incredible loss. You are in our hearts and it is good that Gunnar is no longer suffering. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Lynda, I was aware Gunnar was sick and am very sorry to hear of his passing. He was definitely a very special and unique man. My thoughts are with you and your loved ones. Terry
Rene & I are very sad to hear of Gunnar’s passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Lynda, so sorry to read of Gunnar's passing. We are thinking of you and the family, Jan and Tony.
Many fond memories at Dalewood. Our condolences to the family.
Lynda I’m so sorry to hear of Gunner’s passing. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Lynda, we were very sorry to hear of Gunnar’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences to you, Aunt Jean and family. We remember the always interesting conversations we had with Gunnar at the family reunions especially about Iceland and learning about his horses. Thinking of you.
Lynda my sincere condolences to you and your family. I am so very sorry he was such a wonderful man. Jerry loved to work the land and have great conversations with him. I am sending you all my best wishes. God bless.
We are Sorry Lynda, Jennifer & Gunnar Bryon to hear of the passing of Gunnar. We know how much he will be miss by all of his family. We are thankful that we had the privilege of his friendship .
To Lynda, Jennifer and all of Gunnar's family my deepest sympathy to you at this time of great loss. Gunnar was indeed a wonderful human being and such a pleasure to be around. Happy to have had the opportunity. Thinking of you Lynda.