Lögberg-Heimskringla - 30.10.1992, Síða 4

4 • Lögberg-Heimskringla • Föstudagur 30. október 1992
A Magnificent Gift
By Marlene Wynes
When a visitor enters the
front doors of the Icelandic
Care Home at 2020
Harrison Drive, in South Vancouver,
the first impression is one of
approval for the home-like atmos-
phere. It is evident that the first con-
sideration was the comfort of the res-
idents residing there.
There are several chairs in the
reception area where the residents
can spend pleasant leisure time
watching the “coming-and-goings” all
of which provide enjoyable, effortless
entertainment.
In assessing the pleasant atmos-
phere of this area, one’s eyes are
drawn to admire the beautiful, larger
than usual Grandfather Clock in the
foyer. Its’ size is impressive, the wal-
nut wood so highly polished and the
face surrounded by scriptive gold
designs so attractive as it slowly ticks
away the hours. One must view this
unusual treasure to grasp the charm
of such an unusual creation, for the
wood, the gold, the intricate decora-
tive designs, are a unique individual
work of art.
The history of this magnificent gift
reminds one of the days when it first
arrived at the home of Leifur and Lily
Summers in Winnipeg.
A plaque attached to the inside of
the clock reads that it was a retire-
ment gift to Leifur Summers on April
29, 1950 from the members of his
staff in the T. Eaton Co., where he
was employed for many years.
Leifur was born in Carberry,
Manitoba, the eldest son of Erikur
and Thorbjorg Sumarlidason, in May
of 1893. When his father left to
search for gold in the Klondike, his
mother, with their four children
joined the Sveinbjornson family,
until the father’s return. It was then
that a move to Winnipeg took place.
At the age of 17, Leifur joined the
Eaton staff, and promotions fol-
lowed. On his marriage in October
1915 to Sigurlaug (Lily) Arnason, he
chose to simplify their name to
Summers. His position with Eaton’s
required the dealing with many for-
eign buyers and so an easier name to
spell was necessary.
In Manitoba, the Summers were
active in the Icelandic Community,
social affairs and clubs and were
members of the Lutheran Church.
The decision to change residence
to British Columbia followed his
retirement and soon they were
Upcoming Events
involved in many Icelandic activi-
ties. He had been keenly interest-
ed in all sports, played golf, chess
and was very active steering the
fortunes of the Women’s Baseball
team in the Northend Athletic
Club.
He maintained a well-
equipped workshop in the base-
ment of his home, where he skill-
fully constructed pieces of fumi-
ture and toys for gifts for his
many friends, yoimg and old.
He was elected to the Presi-
dency of the Board of Directors
of the Icelandic Care Home Höfn
Society. 111 health affected his
final years before he passed away.
His wife Lily, moved into the
Icelandic Care Home and donat-
ed the magnificent Grandfather
Clock to the Home in his memo-
ry. Today, the clock still keeps
accurate time, and is used and
enjoyed by all the residents.
Grandfather clock stands as a lasting memorial.
KAUFMANN BROS. GROCERY
595 St. Anne’s Road - Phone 256-6181
Broadway & Donald - Phone 947-0764
Assortment of Scandinavian
Homemade Rúllupylsa,
'' Smoked Lamb on.!"
Wed., Nov. 4
Gimli
Sat, Nov. 7
Gimli
Nov. 7 - 8
Winnipeg
Sat, Nov. 7
Seattle
Sat, Nov. 7
Gimli
Sat, Nov. 7
Vancouver
Tues., Nov. 17
Winnipeg
Wed., Nov. 21
Winnipeg
Sat., Nov. 28
Vancouver
Fri., Dec. 20
Edmonton
Sat., Feb. 20
Edmonton
Regular Meeting of Gimli Chapter INL, 7 p.m. at Betel
ö □ □
William Valgardson Book Launching, 4 p.m. at H.P. Tergesen
□ □ □
Words on Stage - “Invitational Writers” Conference, at West
End Cultural Centre. Nov. 7, 8 p.m., David Arnason • Nov.
8, 2 p.m., Bill Valgardson and Kristjana Gunnars. Admission
$8.
□ □ □
Curling & Dance party, at Granite Curling Club, 1440 N -
128th Street. 7 p.m.
□ □ □ ■
Icelandic Festival Annual Meeting, 2 - 4 p.m., at the Country
Inn — Sandcastle Room.
□ □ □
Sólskin Annual Christmas Tea & Bazaar, 1:30 - 3:30 at Höfn
2020 Harrison Dr., Van. Bake Sale & Icelandic specialties.
□ □ □
“Friends of Manitoba University Libraries”, 1992-1993
program U. of M. writers and their works. Western Icelandic
literature. David Arnason, Kristjana Gunnars & Kirsten Wolf
will read from their works. Watch for further details.
□ □ □
FLCW Christmas Tea, 2 - 4 p.m., at First Lutheran Church
580 Victor St. Home baking, lifrapylsa, handicrafts, white
elephant sale & books.
□ □ □
Luncheon & Bake Sale, by Women’s Auxiliary of Oakridge
Lutheran Church, 585 West 41st Ave., Van.
□ □ . □
Christmas Party, 2 - 5 p.m. at McKernan Community League
114 Street & 78 Avenue
□ □ □
Þorrablót, at Club Mocombo, St. Albert. Annual dinner and
dance by Norðurljos Club. Everyone welcome!
Tip Top
Foods
IN GIMLI
lcelandic
Foods
v________________J
Fresh Manitoba:
Lamb Rúllupylsa
Hangikjöt
Lifrapylsa
Mysuostur
Skyr
lcelandic Brown Bread
From lceland:
Harðfiskur
Svali lcelandic Water
Brian & Ken Arnason
For delivery before Christmas
place your orders early
call:
(204) 642-5418
Wnmpeg
Vmmg
Slaa
800 PEMBINA HWY.
HAIL THE
FESITVE SEASON.
WITH THE GIFT FROM
“A TRADITION
OF EXCELLENCE”
THE ROUND TABLE
GIFT
CERTIFICATES
For Information or
Reservations Phone:
453-3631
V J