It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elmer Richard Strandquist, beloved husband of Vivian Strandquist of Blairmore, Alberta. Elmer succumbed to his illness on January 10, 2014 while receiving care at the Crowsnest Pass Health Care Centre. He celebrated 82 years of a full and enjoyable life.
Elmer was born thirteenth of eighteen children on October 9, 1931 on the farm near Kinistino, Saskatchewan to proud parents, Erick & Annie Strandquist. With such a large family, Elmer learned to be hard-working, supportive and positive in his outlook in life. His gentle yet charismatic nature won the heart of a lovely young lady from Longview, Vivian Irene Johnson, and they were wed in holy matrimony in High River on December 8, 1956. They were further blessed with six wonderful sons.
Elmer was an excellent provider for his family and began his career in the logging industry at an early age. He worked for Pete Schwindt and his older brothers’ company, Foothill’s Lumber, with various jobs in the camp. Elmer toiled through snow storms and unbearable heat but always finished the job. His work ethic always kept him employed and he eventually bought his own equipment and owned his own company. Elmer was proud of his sons and employed all six of them in their younger years. Sadly, Jim passed away at the tender age of nineteen, but the other five boys followed in their fathers’ footsteps and each started their own logging companies. Elmer accepted retirement in the spring of 2000 and he and Vivian began spending the winter months in Hemet, California where wonderful friendships were made. Elmer was a devout member of the Rocky Summit Lodge Masonic order, the Blairmore Lions’ Club and the Crowsnest Pass Golf and Country Club executive.
Elmer was very passionate about golf, the Toronto Blue Jays and curling. Until he started wintering in California, the Lumberman’s Curling Bonspiel was an event he participated in annually.
Elmer was well known for his honesty, sense of fair-play, witty humour, joyful character, big grin and the ever present twinkle in his eye. He loved his work and adored his family and this community. Although he is now gone from our eyes, he will remain forever in our hearts.
Left to mourn his passing and to celebrate his life include his loving wife, Vivian Strandquist of Blairmore; his children, Ronald “Dude” (Jodie) Strandquist of Longview, Glenn (Laura) Strandquist of Coleman and Kent (Shanda) Strandquist of Hillcrest; his grandchildren, Sherry (Trevor), Mike, Jenna (Kevin), Teyel (Sean), Robert (Dee-Anna), Hayley (Darren), Bailey (Eldon), Cory (Veronica), Kirby, Nicole (Justin), Jared, Adam (Andrea), Jeff (Kayla), Ricky (Vanessa), Megan (Joel), Lanny, Braydon, Cody and Londyn; his great grandchildren, Tyler, Connor, Emmett, Cailley, Hunter, Rylee, Audrina, Milo, Lacey, Adam, Malachi and Mackenzie; his brother, Roy Strandquist of Inisfree; his sisters, Marie Hadland of Humbolt, Ellen Jones of Surrey, Eileen Pilling of Blairmore and Ruth (Allan) White of Bellevue; special nieces, Carol Lenz and Patsy Malin; and numerous nephews, nieces, in-laws, extended family and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Erick & Annie Strandquist; his sons, James, Dale & Barry; his great grandson, Krue; his brothers, Waldeman, Robert & Arvid; and his sisters, Gladys Hagland, Evelyn Newkirk, Elsie Holioen, Linda Swanson, Verna Wood, Elvera Nelson, Fern Carriere, Freda Strandquist and Edla Strandquist.
The Memorial Service honouring Elmer’s life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 2:00 pm in the M.D. McEachern Community Centre (2802-222 St.) in Bellevue with Pastor Al Robinson and Rev. Janni Belgum officiating. A special tribute will be provided by the members of the Masonic order.
Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca. Donations may be directed towards the CNP Health Fdn, Bag 1, Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0 or the charity of your choice.
Fantin's Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements. (403) 562-8555.