The Paul Stefansson Family
Paul's parents are Dr. Baldur R. Stefansson BSA, MSc, PhD and Sigriður J. M. Westdal Stefansson RN, BN.
Baldur, b. Apr. 26, 1917 in Vestfold Manitoba, attended the local school and worked on the family farm. He enlisted in the army in the Second World War. After discharge from the Service he enrolled in the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Agriculture in the Plant Science Department. He graduated with a BSA - 1950, MSc - 1952 and PhD -1966. He was employed by the Department of Plant Science and his objective was to develop an edible oil seed crop suitable for the Prairie Provinces. He tested several crops, and determined that rapeseed was the only one which was adapted to this area. After many years of research and development, substantial improvements in the oil and meal from this crop were achieved. Today the product is called Canola (Canada oil). It is one of the best edible oils in the world. The annual value of canola production in Canada now exceeds two billion dollars. Baldur has received world recognition for his achievements, with many awards, 18 all told, including the Order of Canada and the Order of Manitoba. Baldur is married to Sigriður J. M. Stefansson.
Baldur and Sigga's children:
Björgvin - B.A. in Business Administration and Economics, Certified Management Accountant. He is married to Marion Jamaiga Stefansson. They have two children - Stefan and Jennifer.
Helga - B. A. (honours) M. A. in Economics.
She is married to Dr. Michalis Spourdalakis. They have one child - Aris.
Paul – Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries, Chartered Financial Analyst, Certified Financial Planner. He is married to Louise Dufault Stefansson. They have one child - Matthew.
For additional information see: “Gudmundur and Jonina Stefansson,” in Wagons to Wings: History of Lundar and Districts, 1872-1980, pp. 702-703; “Westdal, Jon and Anna,” in Reflections by the Quills, pp. 226-227.