RICHARD ELIAS

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RICHARD (DICK) ELIAS September 17, 1925 - March 19, 2015 It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Richard (Dick) Elias (formerly of Winnipeg) in London, Ontario. Beloved husband of the late Rosalie Elias, Dick is survived and lovingly remembered by his three children Laurie, Nancy and Barbara, their husbands Stephen Grey, Detlef Hess and Kevin Orr, seven grandchildren, Hayley, Nicholas, Carling, Jaime Lee, Jeremy, Annika and Sacha, great-granddaughter Arrianna, and many nieces and nephews and their families. Dick will be sadly missed by Molly Smyth, his dear friend for the past three years, and is fondly remembered by the family of the late Ruth McGavin, a long-time friend. Dick was born on a farm near Haskett, Manitoba to Justina Fehr and Gerhard (George) J. Elias. He was the third eldest of nine children. Although Dick grew up during the Great Depression and remembered times of hardship, he remembered his childhood fondly. Dick worked on the Elias family farm until 1954, helping to operate the Elias Seed Farm. An iconic white grain elevator was built on the farm and stood as a landmark until it was moved to the Pembina Threshermen's Museum in 2015. In 1954, Dick and his brother Peter left the family farm and commenced farming in Brunkild, Manitoba. Dick met and married Rosalie Golebiowski (Gould) while living there. In 1955, they moved to Winnipeg, and Dick and Peter started Elias Construction Ltd. Well known in southern Winnipeg, over many years Elias Construction built houses, apartment blocks (including the Summerland Apartments) and a strip mall shopping centre. In April, 2010 Dick moved to Port Elgin, Ontario where he lived with his daughter Barbara and her husband Kevin. In December, 2011 he moved into Elgin Lodge. Here he met his new love, Molly Smyth, and made many good friends. He was truly happy during his last few years. Dick had many wonderful qualities including a strong work ethic, devotion to family and a kind and generous heart. He loved his family deeply and will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at the Bethel Bergthaler Mennonite Church, 4130 Hwy. 32, 7 miles south of Winkler, Manitoba (204) 325-4536 on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at 2:00 pm. Donations in memory of Richard Elias can be made to the Pembina Threshermen's Museum, Box 1103, Winkler, MB R6W 4B2 (204) 325-7497. Condolences may be sent to condolences.richard@gmail.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 04, 2015