Haraldur ("Harry") Jonasson of Yorkton, Saskatchewan passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. He was 83 years of age. Harry is revered as a sweet, humble, gentle man. These characteristics are the essence of his entire life. Harry was born on the family farm near Wynyard, SK on June 15, 1929 and raised with his three brothers and sister. He was always a lover of nature. Harry enjoyed many hunting and fishing trips around central and northern Saskatchewan; one time finding a trail that led to the cabin of Grey Owl. Harry worked as a mechanic until joining Saskatchewan Power in Wynyard. That job took him to Saskatoon and shortly after that he met Audrey Clark of Elfros, SK. They dated for a number of years and were married in June 1955. After settling together in Saskatoon, their first two daughters arrived; Shaune and Wendy. A short transfer to Kindersley occurred before being relocated to Yorkton in March of 1959 as the Gas Superintendent. Harry and Audrey have remained in Yorkton ever since. Two more children joined the family, Norma and Darwin. Harry loved life. As an avid reader and consummate teacher, Harry was always sharing his knowledge of the world around us. He loved storytelling in the fine Icelandic manner. Harry put all his effort into the family activities. Yorkton Sno-Sho Days were a family event where the Jonassons (mainly Harry) won prizes for their snow sculptures. He engaged his community by being an active member of the Band Parent Association and a founding member of the Rock and Gem Club of Yorkton; also volunteered with other, organizations including the United Church. A gifted artisan, Harry painted portraits, designed jewellery and silversmithed. He was a very talented woodcarver and furniture designer. Many of his pieces are proudly displayed in the families' homes and those of close friends. Harry's eye for beauty and wonderment was most often captured through photo slides and vintage video. His summer passions were his gardens and yard. Harry's legacy will live on through each generation's continued love of nature, the artistic endeavours and the gentle, thoughtful manner by which Harry lived his life. Harry was predeceased by his parents, Magnus and Margret Jonasson; his grandson, Kyle Travis Jonasson; brothers, Eythor and Sigfus; and sister Gudrun. Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife, Audrey (nee Clark); his daughters, Shaune (Mark Gendron) of Kingston, Ontario and her children, Christopher Evans (Meghan), Charlene Evans-Stroud (Jerrod Stroud), and Michael Evans; Wendy (Garry Ratke) of Olds, AB, and their children, Will (Christine), Melissa (Greg Ottahal) and Janice; Norma (Roger Rattie) of Farrell Creek, BC, and their daughters, Afton (Adam Barabash) and Kristen; and son, Darwin (Catherine) of Regina, Saskatchewan and their children, Rae-anne (Kevin Foley) and Dennon; six great-grandchildren; Harry's brother, Ted (Audrey) of Quesnel, BC; nieces and nephews and numerous other relatives. Donations in memory of Harry's life may be made to the charity of one's choice. A Service to Celebrate Harry's Life was held on Saturday, March 16, 2013 from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK with Reverend Molly Kitchen officiating. Words of tribute and eulogy were shared by Harry's daughter, Shaune Jonasson, his son, Darwin Jonasson and his niece, Margaret Cook. The organist, Shani Apland, led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "How Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace". A special taped music selection, "The Arms of an Angel" by Sarah McLachlan was played as a recessional piece. The honourary pallbearers were Dorlee Neubauer, Roger Rattie, Norm Richardson, Herb Roberts, Adrian Walker and Ken Wolfe and the urn bearer was Christopher Evans. In a accordance with Harry's wishes a private family cremation committal will take place at a later date. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
