Passed gently after his morning walk on January, 5 2009 less than one month from his 82nd birthday. Elmer had long outlived his doctors' prognosis after detection of brain cancer in October 2007, and his last year was spent in the active and loving company of his family and many friends. He leaves behind his wife of 53 years Muriel, his son Gerry (Diane) his daughter Laurel (Chris) and grandchildren Brandon, Jordan, Alexandra and Alanah. Also survived by brothers Lloyd, Dwight and Irwin and sisters Joyce, Nora and Gladys and their spouses.

Elmer was born on February 1, 1927 in Roebuck, Ontario. At age 17 he moved to Ottawa to join the Bell Telephone Company. Starting initially as a lineman, he worked his way up to middle management and retired from the Bell in 1982 after 38 years of service. Within a year he began work in his second career as an insurance agent and financial planner, and he remained active in this work until his 80th birthday.
Elmer was a devoted family man, mall walker and active member of the Bell retiree community. His hard working, generous and humble approach to life had a huge impact on everyone who knew him, and his persistent optimism even in the face of his fight with cancer will inspire us forever.

In lieu of flowers the family would welcome donations to the Pencer Brain Tumour Centre at Princess Margaret Hospital.
Visitation will be held at the Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home, 64 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville (one block east of Kerr, 905-844-2600) on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. Memorial Service will be held in the Kopriva Chapel on Friday, January 9, 2009 at 12 Noon. Cremation.