The Icelandic Canadian - 01.08.2002, Qupperneq 14

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THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
Vol. 57 #1
Manitoba, the only University with an
Icelandic Department and collection,
received a one million dollar gift from the
government and people of Iceland. New
Iceland was recognized by Canada as the
Republic of New Iceland from 1875 -
1888.”
Agnes: “What do you hope for the
future?”
Neil: “Now, with the aftermath of this
celebration, we want to increase trade
between Canada and Iceland, which virtu-
ally did not exists prior to 1995. We have
the Port of Churchill with a viable rail line
to Winnipeg, which is the centre of the best
truck, rail and air routes to all parts of
North America. There is now a great
exchange between the Universities of
Iceland and the University of Manitoba,
not only between the Faculties but also the
Presidents of the Universities. This has
never happened before. A trade mission
went to Iceland led by our Premier Doer
this past August and came back full of
enthusiasm for things that can be done.”
Agnes: “What kinds of things would
they trade?”
Neil: “ Software. The Icelanders have
created some of the most sophisticated
software in the world. Regarding the fish-
eries, Icelanders waste nothing of their
catch. It is not only used as food but also as
pet food, fertilizer, etc. Nothing is thrown
away. Regarding safety issues, Icelanders
have designed safer boats and equipment
and have fewer tragedies. They have tubs to
keep fish cool until it brought to source.
Being so centrally located, Winnipeg is a
much better way to travel to Europe over
the polar route and because of our central
location, raw material can be processed
here and distributed much easier. We now
have the sharing of ideas and an exchange
of University Professors. The potential for
close ties with Iceland is mind boggling.”
As well as all of these activities, Neil is
not only involved as a Funeral Director and
owner of his business, he is also Registrar,
Western School of Funeral Services and
Board of Administration under the
Embalmers and Funeral Directors Act of
Manitoba. He is Past President and a cur-
rent member of the Manitoba Funeral
Service Association, Member of the
Funeral Association of Canada and
Member of the Cremation Association of
North America.
He also serves on the Board of the the
Riverview Health Centre Foundation and
is a member of the Manitoba Club, Rotary
Club and Canadian Club. He was active in
the Masonic Order and became a Deputy
Grand Master.
Neil has been a faithful member of St.
Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Canada
from 1992 until 2000. He also served on the
Board of Directors of the Lutheran Life
Insurance Co. from 1990 until 2000.
The greatest honour Neil has received
is the Order of the Falcon. He says this
gives him some peace with his mother’s
spirit. Sigga had high hopes that he would
become a lawyer instead of following his
father’s footsteps.
Neil says he has read every book that
has been written about Canada’s participa-
tion in the Hong Kong story. The impact
of that time has affected his life extremely.
Pjodraeknisfelag Islendinga f Vesturheimi
PRESIDENT: SIGRID JOHN-
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#103-94 First Ave. Gimli, MB ROC 1B1
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