The Icelandic connection - 01.06.2014, Page 12

154
ICELANDIC CONNECTION
Vol. 66 #4
Living in the 17th century. It is subtitled:
‘In which are described the means and
instruments of obtaining every virtue
and the remedies against every vice and
considerations serving to the resisting
all temptations together with prayers
containing the whole duty of a Christian,
and the parts of devotion fitted to all
occasions, and furnished for all necessities’.
I imagine the Autograph Book entry
must have been written in response to a
very deep conversation. Either referenced
in seriousness or in jest, having answers
to the most fundamental questions and
strategies to attain perfect self-disciplined
conduct may have been part of their similar
personal quests. Certainly it was a nod to
my grandfather’s Presbyterian faith.
I think that Laura and George
understood the value of knowledge, strength
of mind, strong character, and courage and
perhaps talked about determination, will
and conviction of the Viking Heart. Ready
to sit at the feet of people who had been
successful before, they may have keenly
shared a desire to study those who could
provide guidance, so that they could leverage
the great giving love of their parents,
and yet surpass the incessant struggle to
accomplish their dreams. I believe they were
both open eyed with personal experience of
the realities of potential hardship, sending
them ever higher in their quest and more
steadfast in faith that they could reach and
attain more.
I knew my grandfather to be a
staunch Presbyterian Orangeman in The
Black Lodge, active and passionate in
his discussions on the subject. He made
significant contributions to his community
through volunteerism in his Church and in
Kiwanis, attested by awards for decades of
service. George was not able to enlist as a
soldier due to the lack of a joint in one of
his thumbs. He served through dedicating
his life to his family and community and his
career to the language of Morse Code and
the Telegraph.
This son of pioneers was an incredibly
proud Canadian, a gifted and articulate
public speaker and encouraged discussion
and debate about politics and amongst
other things, supported women as respected
equals. Sometimes I think his suggestion,
which I didn’t follow, that I make it my
intention to become a lawyer may have
been a satisfying career choice. I lived with
him while working in Winnipeg at the age
of seventeen, and over tea and toast with
grape jelly we would discuss and debate
the issues of the day after the late evening
news. His thoughtful openness, delight in
always learning new things, commitment to
helping others, serving with integrity, and
applying natural talents to succeed became
part of my standard for living.
In addition to strong skills of
engagement with his intelligence, charisma,
values, work ethic, and wit, he had a
generosity, perceptiveness, smile, a chuckle
and a love of laughter that I can still
envision three dimensionally when I think
of him. My grandfather had a sympathetic
understanding of my mother’s Icelandic
background and considerable admiration for
my mother’s family too. The last time I went
to Riverton, Manitoba with my grandfather
to visit my Amma and Afi, Rosmon Arelius
(Alii) and Anna (Eastman) Sigvaldason, his
manner was so deeply respectful and caring
that I felt honoured and proud to be in his
presence. I felt as if we were visiting my
royal family, and he made sure that we left
with Mrs. Sigvaldason’s recipe for pickles,
which he held in high regard.
I’m sure he would have absolutely
loved Laura’s entries in his Autograph
Book. I consider that Laura and he
would have enjoyed many fantastic
conversations, and she would have felt his
support on her journey to shine a light of
awareness on the importance of engaging