Beloved grandfather dies travelling home from U.S.

The family of a Swift Current man killed in a Montana highway accident last Saturday night have described a content retiree who was extremely proud of his Norwegian heritage.

“He was such an important part of my life,” Stefani Erdahl said of her grandfather, Marvin Knutson, 72, a snowbird who had been making his way back to Canada from his home in Mesa, Ariz., when tragedy struck.

Knutson died near Great Falls, Mont., after his northbound Dodge Caravan hit a flatbed semi on Interstate 15, after the southbound semi turned across the median at an authorized vehicle crossing area to get into a weigh station.

Though Knutson’s vehicle hit the rear right side of the trailer, the driver of the semi was not immediately apprehended, after briefly stopping in the weigh area but then leaving the scene.

Contacted Thursday, authorities in Montana said the investigation is ongoing but would not confirm whether the semi driver had yet been located.

Erdahl, 26, said her grandfather had first landed in Mesa some eight years ago, after selling his overhead door business in Swift Current before retiring.

“We’re really struggling, based on the situational factors, as well as that, you know, our wonderful grandpa is gone,” she said, adding that Knutson leaves behind bewildered stepchildren, granddaughters, nieces and nephews.

Erdahl lives in Vancouver, Wash., but the family has strong Canadian ties; she holds joint citizenship and once lived in Regina.

“Family visits would not have been the same without him. He made everything fun; everything was always a joke. He was so giving,” she said. “He built his own home; it’s the colours of the Norwegian flag because he was a proud Norwegian,” she added. “His house is red, blue and white, totally bright colours. He was very proud of his Norwegian family; he travelled and kept in touch with them.”

Erdahl listed off the hobbies that kept her grandfather busy as he shuttled between the two countries.

“Dancing, golfing, travelling, Las Vegas, music,” she said. “He loved the orchestra there (in Mesa). He loved animals. He always had a little dog with him. “He was just doing very well, and that adds to the heartbreak. He wasn’t ready to go. He was very healthy, living out his dream.”