Obituary of Elmer Edward Sommer

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our father, at home with family, on February 24th.  

Elmer was predeceased by his infant son Richard, sister Lydia, and beloved wife Eleanor.  He is survived by five children, Linda, Helen, Patricia (Larry), Shirley (Les) and Ken (Holly), eight grandchildren and two great grandsons. 

Dad was born in the family home about six years after his parents had immigrated from Russia and settled in the Morris area.  As he was proud to point out, he lived his almost ninety-four years on the same property and saw Morris grow during some of its earliest years.   Because of this, and aided by his excellent memory, he was frequently sought out as the town historian.

He completed Grade Eleven in the local schools and graduated with a scholarship which he never claimed, but rather chose to join his father in the family business, (Sommer's Garage) and farm.   He could tell great stories of prairie life in the 1930's when times were tough.  This accounted for his lifelong careful and frugal attitude, and his "Red Green" approach to home maintenance and repair.  This included duct tape on pockets and pants hems when he had to become his own "seamstress" after the passing of our mother in 1998.  

Back in 1947 Dad met the woman who would become his wife and our mother. He went on a blind date with a young school teacher, Eleanor Linklater, to the "IceCapades", and she captured his heart.  They married in July 1948.   Having lost their first born son, Richard, to a congenital heart condition, they subsequently treasured their five further children all the more.   Dad worked very hard but was a devoted family man, always making time for his kids.  He loved to tease and joke.  His puns, poems and nicknames were legendary in the family. We always enjoyed his bed-time stories, home movies, time at the cottage in the Whiteshell, and trips across Canada to both coasts.   Later, Dad's grandchildren and great grandsons were a source of joy to him as well. 

After retirement, Dad had more time for travelling with Mum across the United States and Mexico in their trademark Dodge RV van.   He also volunteered with the local Museum and Meals on Wheels.   Dad loved the outdoors, was an avid walker and enjoyed maintaining his large yard.   In later years, with increasing physical challenges, he began using a scooter in order to be able to continue his daily excursions to the Post Office and to do tours of the town.  To maximize his time outdoors, Dad became a fixture in the neighbourhood, sitting in his lawn chair on his driveway chatting with and waving to all who passed by.   He learned to use a computer at the age of 84, had an email account and even used Facebook!  He will be missed.

The funeral service will be held at the Morris United Church on Friday March 2, 2018 at 2:00 PM, with interment to follow at the Morris Cemetery. 

The family wishes to thank Dr. Robert Manness, Dr. Mike Fraser, the staff of the Morris General Hospital, Home Care, as well as the wonderful staff of Silver Lining Care.   We also would like to thank Pastor Leslie Poulin, and all of the loyal and supportive friends and neighbours for their visits and good wishes. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Morris United Church or the charity of your choice.