Memorable Manitobans: Bjorn Valdimar “Valdi” Arnason (1916-2009)

Butcher.

Born at Gimli on 25 May 1916, he trained to become a butcher, and in 1945, he purchased Tip Top Meats on First Avenue in Gimli in partnership with his brother Ted Arnason. Arnason soon became well-known in the area, and many people would travel a long way to buy his signature steaks. When he retired in 1975, his nephews carried on the business and it remains a Gimli landmark. He was also a dedicated volunteer and a lifelong member of the Gimli Kinsmen and Rotary Clubs, as well as serving on the Gimli Town Council, the Chamber of Commerce and the Lutheran Church Council as well as on the board of the Johnson Memorial Hospital including tenure as the Administrator. He was a member of the Masons for over fifty years and became a local Master. Proud of his Icelandic heritage, he was the longest serving member of the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba in its history, with over fifty years of service, serving as President in 1970 and 1971. He died at Gimli on 9 January 2009.

Sources:

Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 13 January 2009.

This page was prepared by Kris Keen.

Page revised: 12 May 2018

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

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