JOHN J. ELIAS -

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JOHN J. ELIAS 1912 - 2011 We are heartbroken to announce the passing of John J. Elias in the early hours of October 10, 2011 at the Boundary Trails Health Centre. He was born on September 21, 1912 to John M. Elias and Maria Elias (nee Braun) on the Elias homestead in Winkler. From an early age he displayed a curious and inventive streak, often frustrating his conservative parents. His inquisitiveness continued until the day he passed away. Education and the search for knowledge were always evident in his life. Having completed his grade 12 in Winkler, he furthered his education by attending the University of Manitoba and graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. During the summer, while going to university, he worked at the Morden Research Station, a time which he greatly enjoyed. Although his dream was to become a chemist, the war and the death of his father prevented this from becoming a reality. It was at this time that he took over the management of the family farm. During the time he was farming, he also worked as a field man for the Manitoba Sugar Company for many years. After a long courtship, he married the love of his life, Esther Marie Pelser. They were blessed with three daughters - Shirley, Frances and Mildred. He took great interest and pride in the activities and accomplishments of not only his children, but his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A major interest was travelling. This included trips to Scotland, England, Wales, South America, Alaska, Mexico and many points in the USA. One of his favourite places to travel was Saskatchewan. He made many trips there with Mom, cousins, friends, daughter Mildred and granddaughter Krista. Mildred took him on his last trip just four weeks before he passed away. His fondest memories were of travelling with Mom. This was no longer possible when she developed Alzheimer's in her early 60's. It was at this time that we saw the complete devotion our father had for our mother. It was his desire to give her the best quality of life possible until her demise at age 90. This included looking after her for 14 years at home and daily visits for 16 years at the Salem Personal Care Home. Some of his other interests included music and playing piano until the age of 95. He was an avid reader and writer and had two books of his life stories published. He enjoyed gardening and some of his landscaping talents are evident in and around Winkler. Community involvement included serving on various boards, such as, the Credit Union, Co-op, Stanley Agriculture Society, the Winkler Canary and the Winkler Creamery. He leaves to mourn his passing three daughters, Shirley Friesen of Winnipeg and her children, Leslie and Bob Dunlop, Marlowe and Lori Friesen, daughter Frances and Ron Ginter of Winkler and their children, Krista and Max Waddell, Kurtis and Julie Ginter, daughter Mildred and Paul Laing of West St. Paul; nine great-grandchildren, Dillon and Riley Dunlop, Lyrik, Raelyne and Lyam Friesen, Jaden Waddell, Benson, Lauren and Kate Ginter. He was predeceased by his wife Esther Elias (nee Pelser) in 2006, son-in-law Bert Friesen in 2010 and all of his siblings. Funeral services were held on Friday, October 14 at 2:00 p.m. at the Grace Mennonite Church, Winkler with Rev. Jerry Hildebrand and Pastor David Friesen officiating. Interment followed at the Winkler Cemetery. Special thanks to Dr. Booy for all the care he has given Dad throughout the years, as well as being a good friend. Thanks also to Dr. Jacob and the nursing staff at the Boundary Trails Health Centre. If friends so desire, donations may be made to Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, P.O. Box 119, Winkler, MB R6W 4A4 and the Boundary Trails Health Centre Foundation, P.O. Box 2000, Winkler, MB R6W 1H8. Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler, in care of arrangements. www.wiebefuneralhomes.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 15, 2011