Herman Thorvaldson

Herman Thorvaldson

Herman Thorvaldson was born in Riverton, Man to parents of Icelandic descent. Residing in both the Interlake area and Winnipeg throughout his youth, eventually Herman and his family permanently moved into Winnipeg – where he completed his high school education. During that time, his aunt owned a care facility (started in 1932) on Sharpe Boulevard in the St James area (later moving to Mayfair Place in Fort Rouge). In 1959 at the age of 25, together he and his parents bought the care facility and continued the operation as ‘Thorvaldson Nursing Homes’ – a 38 bed nursing home. His mother Lilja Thorvaldson was the ‘Matron’ of the home. In the mid 1970’s – the decision was made to sell the building on Mayfair, and move the business to four large old homes on Stradbrook Ave in the heart of Osborne Village – a short distance away. Together Herman and his wife Julia opened ‘Thorvaldson Guest Homes’ a 40 resident (lighter level) Licensed Residential Care facility for the elderly.

Long Term Care positions held:

1962 – 1978 Nursing Home Association of Manitoba – Chairman (1962 – 1978)

1977 – 1981 Canadian Long Term Care Association (founding member) – Secretary (1970-81)
Treasurer (1977- 79)

1982 – 1989 Association of Residential Care Homes – Chairman (1982 – 1986)

2009 – Nominee for the Fred Douglas Humanitarian Award – the “Art of Caring”.

2009 – Long Term Care Assoc of Manitoba – Recognition of 50 years in Service to the Elderly

In 1994, under Herman’s direction and design - the process of tearing down the four large houses on Stradbrook Avenue began. The existing ‘Thorvaldson Care Center’ opened shortly thereafter – a large, modern 2 storey building accommodating 70 residents (with rooms for both singles and couples). It is Manitoba’s only Residential Care facility catering specifically to the elderly – providing an Intermediate level of care to their residents.

The Next Generation

The Thorvaldson Family

Both Herman and Julia built the Care Center on their passion and commitment to caring for the elderly. From a very young age, their three children – Jocelyn, Karen and Jason were surrounded by this environment. They gained experience in all facets of the family business. As young children they visited and entertained the residents – as youths they participated in activities and kitchen work and as young adults helped out with administrative duties. Upon Julia’s unexpected passing in 1999, they all became more involved in the day to day operation. Jocelyn has stepped into her mother’s shoes as Administrator and Karen is the Director of Marketing. Now, as the third generation operating the family business – they continue to carry on the Thorvaldson tradition with integrity and pride.

Today

Over half a century has been committed to nurturing and enriching the lives of seniors in our community by offering a facility that caters to their health and well-being. Our vision has always been to try and provide a non-institutional environment for those in the later stages of life. At the Thorvaldson Care Center we seek to maintain a quiet, comfortable atmosphere where our residents can feel cared for and safe in a home-like surrounding. We strive to maintain the health, vitality and quality of life of each of our residents.

‘Let our family, take care of yours’