Obituary of Arthur Edwin Lindenberg

LINDENBERG: Arthur Edwin, of Brandon Manitoba, born March 4, 1923, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2013 at his residence in Valleyview Care Centre at the age of 90. He was predeceased by his parents Emily and Louis and brothers Arwid and Bruno. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years - Eunice of Brandon, and sister Louise Falconer of Victoria. He is also survived by his daughter Marie Bonneteau (Denis) of Winnipeg, grandchildren Julie, Justin and Stephan; son Gordon (Cindy) of Edmonton, grandchildren Kalyn (Stephan), Nathan and Alex; and son David (Sandy) of Brandon, grandchildren Shea and Dane (Rikki) and great-grandchildren Mya and Owen. The Service of Remembrance was held at Central United Church on Monday July 29, 2013, with Rev. Laird Russell-Yearwood officiating. Art's six grandsons, Nathan, Dane, Alex, Justin, Shea and Stephan served as pallbearers. Arthur was born in a small farmhouse on a homestead near Rapid City, to Latvian immigrants. He was raised in a hard working, devoutly Christian home, instilled with a strong set of beliefs and values that would serve him well for his entire life. Attending Cadursis Church and McBride school – a one-room schoolhouse – Art attained his early education, and then later went on to high school in Rapid City. At the age of 19 he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force during the height of World War II. Upon discharge at the end of the war Art returned home and became a partner in Lindenberg Seeds to work along side his two brothers 10 years his senior. That was the beginning of a lifelong endeavor in the family business he so much enjoyed. During those years he continued to assist his father on the family farm, and together they were honored with the Robertson Associate Award for their contribution to Canadian agriculture by the Canadian Seed Growers Association. Arthur became active in the Brandon community and joined the United Church "Young People's" group and church choir. That's where he met the love of his life, Eunice Hodgkinson, an attractive young lady from Belmont that he would later ask to be his wife. Art and Eunice were married in June of 1951, and later their first child Marie was born, followed by sons Gordon and David. With a family to support and business demands, Art was a busy man. But he knew his priorities: his family and his faith were of paramount importance. Art was a life-long member of The Gideons, promoting God's word in print for over 50 years. He was also a long time member of the United Church and taught Sunday school for a number of years. As a father and grandfather, Art was a wonderful role model, leading by example, caring and loving, yet strong and principled. Family memories include outdoor hockey games, roller-skating at Clear Lake, picnics and barbeques, boating, fishing and water skiing, and of course camping in the big green tent wherever they went. With his much beloved grandchildren, activities expanded to include baptisms, birthdays, recitals and concerts, ball games, tournaments, graduations and weddings. Art loved his music: singing, playing the piano, organ and accordion, almost exclusively by ear. It was a true gift he retained right up until the last few years of his life. Art was also a fierce competitor at the kitchen table with board games. Whether it was a card game, Scrabble, Quiddler or Sequence, Art played to WIN! And win he did. . . .right to the end. In Scrabble he'd pull off these amazing triple-word scores with words nobody had ever hear of. . .but he had, and since the words were in the dictionary, they counted! But where Art really shone was as a friend. He always had a smile on his face and was a continuous source of encouragement. His positive attitude and friendly charm were magnetic. A traveling salesmen in summer months, Art met thousands of people over the years across the prairies in every small town you could imagine. With a memory like a trap, he could connect people, names and places like no one else. Knowing Art would put you literally within two degrees of separation with anyone in Manitoba and Saskatchewan! One of Art's favorite sayings was . . ." there is no such thing as a stranger; it's just a friend I have not yet met!" Despite his love of music, fun, and good friendships, the real love of his life was his wife Eunice. Upon retirement Art and Eunice traveled extensively, and enjoyed 19 winters in Texas. Their marriage shines as a beacon to all of what a loving marriage can be, and should be . . .a relationship of commitment, sacrifice and love that transcends the tough times, relishes in the good times, and flourishes until the end. As a husband, father and grandfather, Art has left an indelible mark on our lives. He was a gentleman and a friend. He led by example with fairness and integrity in everything he did. He was respected, but more importantly respect-full. His positive "glass half-full" attitude always prevailed and his kind words of encouragement and support were always appreciated. Dad. . . you have left us for a while, but you will live on in all of us forever! The family would like to extend sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff at Valleyview who provided tender care and support to Art over the past year. Your compassionate assistance is greatly appreciated. Donations in memory of Art may be made to Gideons International in Canada, PO Box 3619 Stn Main, Guelph ON, N1H 9Z9 or charity of your choice.