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Sept 28, 1927 - June 21, 2011

Elmer passed away quietly in his sleep at the age of 83 years.

Elmer is survived by his loving wife of 51 yrs. Emma, his son Barry (Helen), his step-daughter-in-law Vivian. Elmer is also survived by sisters Betty (Bob) and Joan Crawford and brothers O’Ray (Muriel) and Donald (Joan) and numerous nieces and nephews. Elmer is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

Elmer was predeceased by his parents Ralph and Elizabeth Pontius, his sisters Esther, Ella and his brother George, also by his step-children Jim, Marlene, and Betty and 2 grandchildren Stephen and Cyndi.

Elmer was born into a family of eight brothers and sisters and was raised in Carlyle, Saskatchewan. After high school in Carlyle he followed his brother to Trail in 1948 with the hope of playing hockey. He went to work for Cominco for 37 years, retiring at 58 years of age giving him 25 years of wonderful retirement. During his work life Elmer was a strong advocate for workers in the Mine Mill and Steelworkers unions. He was always involved in committee work and continued his involvement fighting for pensioners’ dues right up to his passing.

Elmer was also very vocal politically and helped organize and present numerous political petitions to local, provincial and federal governments. The last on his agenda concerned quality of health care and the senseless closing of seniors homes in the Kootenay region. He was an advocate on quality of life issues for the underdog right to the end.

Elmer lived a very good life. He loved to travel to places such as Russia, Scotland, Eastern Canada and just this past spring was in Cuba. He curled, skied several days a week, bought and used his season pass for golfing several times a week - no cart. Elmer loved camping, the family trips or alone, even traveling to Duncan Lake before the ice had completely melted to pursue his lifelong hobby, fishing.

By Elmer’s request, there will not be a service. Al Grywacheski with Personal Alternative Funeral Services “Carberry’s Chapel” has been entrusted with arrangements.

As an expression of sympathy, donations can be made in Elmer’s name to the charity of your choice.



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