The Icelandic Canadian - 01.11.2006, Blaðsíða 6

92
THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
Vol. 60 #3
On the Cover
Jakob Gunnar Henrickson
Jake was bora in 1890 on January 1st in Winnipeg MB. His father died
when he was one year old. He then lived with an aunt and uncle at
Churchbridge, SK until he was six, he then returned to his mother and got
his education at Pinkham School.
After leaving school he decided to become a plumber. After complet-
ing his apprenticeship at Stephansson’s Plumbing in Winnipeg he remained
with them several years until the First World War broke out. He enlisted
and served with the Canadian Engineers, 1st battalion. He was immediate-
ly shipped overseas, landed at Liverpool on to London then stationed in
Sussex. After a short training period he was dispatched to Le Havre,
France. From that time on he served where he was required on the war
front.
For a short time after the armistice he was member of the occupational
force and was discharged in July 1919. Jake had to spend about three years
recuperating from the effects of being gassed in the war; he then returned to
his trade.
After a few years, he heeded the call ‘go west young man’ and came to
Alberta. He first worked as a pipe fitter in the Brule and Mountain Park
mines, then on to Edmonton where he continued his trade.
Jake married Ila Fookey in 1930; they were the proud parents of five
wonderful daughters, Margaret, Joan, Irene, Eleanor and Thelma.
In 1940, he felt compelled to serve his country again and joined the
RCAF. They felt he could serve his country better at home and most of his
time was spent in Canada. The twins, Eleanor and Thelma were born in
Gimli.
Jake loved his mother very much, Asdls Henrickson. She was the first
matron of the Betel Old Folks Home in Gimli where she served for 28 years
before she died.
Jake was very proud of his Icelandic heritage and culture and this is
exemplified in his service to the club in Edmonton. He was president many
times. He also worked hard for the Scandinavian Centre as well.
He loved to sing and he sang in the Icelandic choir, his church choir and
the Welsh choir. He served as president of local 488 Union and made five
trips for them as a delegate to conventions. He was also on the benevolent
board.
He was president of the Ritchie Home and School Association and was
very active in the community.
Three daughters remain, Irene Drummond at Magrath near Calgary,
also the twins in Sherwood Park near Edmonton, Thelma (Skippy) & Barry
Harvey and Eleanor (Ellie) & Robin Templeton.