Sigmundur “Simbi” Johnson
Sigmundur “Simbi” Johnson, born December 29, 1917, passed away peacefully with family by his side on December 15, 2016. He was just shy of his 99th birthday.
He was predeceased by his wife, Florence, in 1991. Left to cherish his memory, are his daughter Jonina (Frank) Porpiglia and his son William (Franca); his grandchildren Christine (Sean), Phillip (Anastasia), Cassandra, Brysen, and Tara; and great granddaughter Victoria. He also leaves behind his sister Jonina Silvester (Michigan, IL), many nieces, nephews, and special friends Wayne and Ruth Ann Furgala, and Ritchie and Susie Einarson.
The third of nine children, Simbi was raised on Bjarkenisa, a farm just north of Gimli. As a voluntary recruit, Simbi joined the Canadian Armed Forces as an airframe mechanic. Upon his return, he accepted a position with a local meat shop, Tip Top Meats, in Gimli, where he learned the trade of butchery.
In 1948, Simbi married Florence Rockett, and moved into a custom built home in Riverton. This led to the next stage in his life, where he worked as a butter maker in the Riverton Creamery. Upon closure of the Riverton Creamery, Simbi became the butcher at the Riverton Co-op, where he devoted 34 years of service and retired in 1982.
In addition to his employment achievements, Simbi was also a dedicated member of the Riverton community. He was an avid volunteer and served on many local committees. He gave freely of his time and dedicated a great deal of energy towards local initiatives. He gave back as much as he could to the town he loved so much. He was elected councillor in the small community, and later served as Deputy Mayor. Additionally, he was a member of the following organizations: Riverton Hospital Foundation, the Riverton Credit Union, the Riverton Fire Department, Riverton Weightlifting Club, the Riverton Community Hall, the Riverton Hnausa Lutheran Church executive, the Riverton Elks Lodge #530, and Masonic Lodge of Manitoba. Mom would often say, “he belonged to every organization, except the Djorfung Ladies Aid”.
In his “spare time” he would happily lend a hand to anyone in the community who needed it. He was a talented, self-taught carpenter, who built dollhouses, swings, tables, and benches for his family and friends. Many of these items continue to be cherished by his family.
Simbi was not one to boast or brag, he enjoyed helping without looking for anything in return. As an active community member, he was committed to doing whatever needed to be done to build a stronger foundation for future generations.
In 1995, he moved into the Riverton Seniors Lodge where he continued to enjoy retirement and spent time with family and friends. In 2011, he moved to Tudor House in Selkirk, Manitoba where he spent the last 5 years making new friends and being cared for by a loving group of individuals.
Our family would like to give a special thanks to Wayne and Ruth Ann Furgala for all their love, friendship, and support for Dad throughout the years. Words cannot express our sincere appreciation and gratitude. Also, thanks to the staff at Tudor House who provided wonderful care to Dad during his time there, and to the special individuals who made Dad smile.
Dad was blessed with a long, happy and fulfilled life. He was greatly loved by his family, friends and community and will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 23, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. in the Riverton-Hnausa Lutheran Church, with Pastor Gary Schenk officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tudor House in Dad’s memory.
Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements.

Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Sigmundur Simbi Johnson – 2016.source

death notice Sigmundur Simbi Johnson – 2016 – mortuary notice Sigmundur Simbi Johnson – 2016