Parcourez la nécrologie de Gudmundur Palmason Thursday December 19th 2024 résidant dans la province Manitoba pour le détail des funérailles
GUDMUNDUR Palmason
September 13, 1947 – December 19, 2024
It is with heavy hearts and much love that we announce the passing of Gudmundur « Gummi » Palmason, aka Jim, on December 19, 2024. He passed peacefully, surrounded by family, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Gummi fought with unwavering strength, and right to the end, his spirit remained as strong and steady as ever.
Born in Sudavik, Iceland in September of 1947, Gummi made his way to Canada as a young man at age 20, settling in Winnipeg after spending some time in Gimli. He was later joined by his girlfriend Arny, who he subsequently married. Gummi pursued his education with remarkable determination, attending Red River College and then earning a business degree and an MBA from the University of Manitoba, all while working tirelessly to support himself and Arny. During these years, Gummi’s strong entrepreneurial spirit shone through in his business ventures. He and his friends and fellow Icelanders, Snorri (with wife Gunnvor), bought farmland near Gimli that they lovingly called “Husatun” (House Garden). There, Gummi built a cottage, and together with Snorri started a honey bee operation that produced some of the best honey you could get your hands on. « Honey from Husatun » became a staple sold throughout Reykjavik, and Gummi was proud of his little honey empire. Around the same time, he started Palmason Painting, a business that would last for 45 years and that became synonymous with high-quality work and integrity. If you hired Gummi, you were going to get an exceptional result on time at a fair price. And if you worked for Gummi, you didn’t just get a paycheck—you became part of his tribe and forever under his wing. You became family.
After parting ways with Arny in 1979, Gummi’s life took a turn in 1980 when he met Inga Torfadottir—who he would go on to build a life with for over 40 years. Together, they raised Greta and Ivar, and Inga’s daughters, Sigrun and Drifa, with a whole lot of love, laughter, and patience.
Gummi wasn’t the kind of guy to be impressed by fancy things or luxuries —his 20-year-old sweater, and that beat-up old van were always just fine. Fancy restaurants? Nah. Big vacations? Not his style. He found joy in the simple things: a good cup of coffee while reading the Free Press front to back, watching his kids sporting events and shows, and above all playing guitar and singing with family and friends around the kitchen table and just enjoying each other’s company. He was a man who lived in and cherished the moment, never looking for something bigger or better—just happy with what he had and the family and friends around him. His one guilty pleasure – wedging in a quick nine holes before dinner now and then – but that old set of golf clubs would do just fine for that.
His sense of humor was a hallmark of who he was —sometimes quirky, often insightful, and always the source of laughter. Gummi had a unique way of seeing the world—a perspective that was different from most. He noticed things that others often missed, from the small details in everyday situations to the quiet moments that defined people’s lives. His observations were always keen, and he had a remarkable ability to capture them in his poetry. These poems, often full of humor and unexpected wisdom, became a cherished part of his legacy. He would pull them out time and again, surprising everyone with their insightfulness and always leaving people laughing, reflecting, or both. His poems were more than just words; they were a window into his thoughtful, often playful view of the world, and they will live on as part of the joy he brought to those around him. And, of course, his storytelling was legendary—those long-winded tales that would have you rolling your eyes, but always leave you thinking, “Well, that was worth it.”
Gummi had this unique way of making people feel like they mattered, no matter who they were. If you needed something—anything—he’d be there, no questions asked. If you were feeling down, he could lighten the mood with a quirky joke, a funny story, or just by sitting quietly with you. And if you needed a ride at 2 a.m. in the middle of a blizzard—well, Gummi was your guy. He was never one to back down from a challenge, and he was always there for the people he loved.
He was the kind of man who taught everyone around him how to live an honest life. Most of his kids, grandkids, and a whole lot of their friends ended up working for Gummi at some point. And if you were lucky enough to do so, you learned more than just how to work hard—you learned about responsibility, accountability, and what it means to be a good person.
Gummi was a rare soul whose heart was as big as his smile and warm as his hugs, and whose wisdom was always accompanied by a gentle spirit. He never wronged a soul and took the high road every time. If anyone wronged him, he would simply turn the other cheek and move on—his heart was that big. He loved without condition, parenting with warmth, compassion, a gentle hand, and quiet unwavering support.
Gummi leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and authenticity that will never be forgotten. He is survived by his wife Inga, his kids Greta (Ian), Ivar, Sigrun (Wallace), and Drifa (Rikki), his ten grandchildren, Andrea (Ryan), Axel, Hanna, Maria (Jeremy), Ryan, Griffin, Axel Johann, Freya, Clara, and Gunnar, two great-grandchildren Boel and Salome, as well as his five siblings in Iceland, and a whole extended family that will miss him more than words can say.
In the spring, we’ll gather to celebrate his life, just as he would have wanted—with music, love, stories, and laughter. That’s how Gummi was happiest—surrounded by people he loved, sharing a drink, playing up a storm of music on the accordion, guitar, or piano, and telling tales late into the night. That’s how he’d want us to remember him.
Finally free from the struggles of his illness, we are comforted knowing Gummi is now at peace. His presence will be sorely missed, but his love, wisdom, and humor will live on and his light will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
We love you, Gummi. Rest in peace—until we meet again, we’ll be keeping it real in your honor.
Thursday December 19th 2024
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Gudmundur Palmason Thursday December 19th 2024..
Décès pour la Ville: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba
avis deces Gudmundur Palmason Thursday December 19th 2024
necrologie Gudmundur Palmason Thursday December 19th 2024
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Gudmundur Palmason Thursday December 19th 2024 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.