Lögberg-Heimskringla - 30.10.1992, Side 15

Lögberg-Heimskringla • Föstudaqur 30. október 1992 • 15
The stories he loved to tell
Magnus Eliason, one of the
most prominent members of
Westem Canada’s Icelandic
community, was honoured on Octo-
ber 24 at a dinner held by the Cana-
da-Iceland Foundation, which named
him Icelandic-Canadian of the year.
Well over 100 people enjoyed
wine, hors d’oeuvres and a roast beef
dinner, but that was only the appetiz-
er. The real entree came later, when
after introductory comments by
Birgir Brynjolfsson, the honorary
Icelandic Consul in Winnipeg, and
Tim Samson, Vice-President of CIF,
fílling in for Steini Kristjansson of the
Canada-Iceland Foundation, who
was indisposed, Neil Bardal, presi-
dent of Lögberg-Heimskringla, and
Oli Narfason, president of the
Icelandic National League, the guest
of honour himself took the podium
to deliver a few words.
Magnus looked back on his long
career in politics in Westem Canada
and Winnipeg and sprinkled the
reminiscences with many of the
stories and anecdotes for which he is
so justly well-known. Magnus’s
story-telling style is inimitable — one
suspects that, had he Iived in Viking
times, he would have been in great
demand around the fires in the
longhouses and courts of the chief-
tains and kings. His talk was deliv-
ered under the watchful eye of his
wife, Kay, who had cautioned him to
keep it short. She need not have
worried. An old Vaudeville per-
former once advised: “Always leave
them wanting more.” Magnus did
just that.
Magnus and Kay Eliason both æceived tributes.
Immediate right:
Tim Samson, Master of Ceremonies.
Center right:
Birgir Brynjólfsson recalls his trip to
North Dakota with Magnus and
Haraldur Bessason.
GRAPES GOOD CHEER
GIFT CERTIFICATES
'are available in $15 and $25
denominations and are a sure way
to make someone feel "extra
special" this Christmas/
Give a little - Get a lot at Grapes
The Jón Sigurðsson Chapter of
the IODE is veiy pleased to welcome
Mrs. Thelma Wilson to its chapter as
an honourary member. As one of her
first duties, Mrs. Wiison greeted
guests to the Fall Tea along with
Mrs. Bea Sharpe, September 22,
1992. The members would like to
tíxank all those who attended for
helping to make the tea a great
success
Donations to
Lögberg-Heimskringla Inc.
Walter & Fiona Mailman,
Ste. Rose du Lac, MB..........$12.55
In memory ofSveinn Sigfusson, from
Verma & Larrie Zaharodny
Lundar, MB........................$25.
In memory ofG.A. Eyjolfson, from
Verma & Larrie Zaharodny
Lundar, MB........................$25.
1993 lcelandic
Heritage Calendar
The new calendars are here!
This year the photos feature
“Children of the Pioneers”. The
calendar shows dates of interest,
Minnist
í ERFÐASKRÁM YÐAR
both historic and yearly events, and
features a three page reference list
on traditional Icelandic holidays.
The calendar sells for only $6.00.
Get yours at one of the upcoming
events, or call Gloria Krenbrenk at
(403) 458-5896.
Head table guests (L-R): Birgir Brynjólfson,
Marge and Oli Narfason, Magnus and Kay
Eliason, Neil Bardal, Eleanor and Tim
Samson.
Oli Narfason recalls fond memories of
Magnus'sgrowing upyears in Arnes.
Fálkinn Report
by Margaret Goodman, Secretary
Our Icelandic Canadian Club of
Western Manitoba meets once a
month on the second Wednesday of
the month from September to June.
Our attendence averages sixteen at
most meetings. Our major project is
the Þorrablót. Our profit from that
and a raffle are used for scholarships.
We awarded two scholarships ttiis
past year to two students of Icelandic
descent living in this area.
A group of ten from the Club have
been taking lessons in Icelandic from
Elin Hood, one of our members.
We have spent some time
researching the history of the
Icelandic Church which was active
here from 1889 until about 1925 and
has now been largely forgotten.