ELMER JOHN WIEBE

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ELMER JOHN WIEBE It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Elmer John Wiebe, a husband, father, brother, uncle and friend to many. On Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at the age of 70 years, he passed away peacefully, with his wife and family at his side in the St. Paul's Palliative Care Unit in Saskatoon. Dad went to be with his Lord and Saviour after an eight year battle with Cancer. Elmer is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Joyce; his children, son Doug and wife Leila (Toth) and their children Ashton, Meghan and Benjamin; daughter Audrey and husband Wesley Ramsay and their children Allie, Carlee and Courtney; two brothers, Bill (Sue) Wiebe and Mel Wiebe (Lori McArthur); three sisters, Orma (Ron) Hiebert, Lynn (Bill) Slocombe and Connie (Aldon) Sawatzky. He is also survived by Joyce's family, Norman (Susan) Leiding, Dorothy Lawson, Ron Leiding, Karen (John) Shust, Rob Leiding (Maggie Slipetz) and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Elmer was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary Wiebe; his in-laws, John and Mary Leiding; and sister-in-law, Agnes Wiebe. Elmer was born in Carman, MB on June 10, 1935 to John and Mary (Hildebrand) Wiebe of Sperling, MB. Elmer took his education in various centres in Manitoba and later in his life attended the Banff School of Advanced Management (BSAM) in Banff, AB. Elmer enjoyed a 40-year career with the Co-operative Retailing System which began in 1954 until his retirement in 1994 as the Sr. Vice-President of Marketing for Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) in Saskatoon. Elmer and Joyce enjoyed every stop in the various communities they lived in and made many life long friends along the way. Elmer also enjoyed his membership in the Saskatoon Meewasin Rotary Club as well as the Prairie Lily RV Club and the McClure United Church. Elmer was very active as a player in both hockey and baseball throughout Manitoba and was inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002. While playing hockey for the Winkler Royals he met his biggest fan (Joyce Leiding) who became his fan for life and they were married on August 31, 1958. Through his marriage to Joyce they were blessed with two children and six grandchildren. During the last 13 years, Dad's love turned to his grandchildren, each being very precious to him. He was very proud of their achievements. Elmer will be remembered for his faithfulness and loyalty to family and to God. He showed his love to others in his kindness, his warm smiles, positive outlook on life and making all feel comfortable and accepted in his presence. The twinkle in his eyes endeared him to all, it will live on in his family and the lives of those he touched. His retirement years were spent working in his yard, travelling with his motor home and celebrating every occasion that arose with those he loved. The family would like to thank all family and friends for their visits, prayers and special support. A special thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Saskatoon Cancer Clinic, Royal University Hospital (Day Medicine) and the St. Paul's Palliative Care Ward who looked after Dad in a loving way. The Funeral Service will be held at McClure United Church (4025 Taylor Street East) on Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Ron McConnell and Joan Brown officiating. Interment of Cremated Remains will take place at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Saskatoon Cancer Centre (20 Campus Drive, Saskatoon SK S7N 4H4). Arrangements are entrusted to McKague's Funeral Chapel (306-664-3131).

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 21, 2005