Obituary for Elmer Clifford Meckelburg
Meckelburg, Elmer Clifford
On Wednesday afternoon, November 11, 2020, Elmer Clifford Meckelburg, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather went to be with his Heavenly Father at the age of 84 at the Foothills Country Hospice in Okotoks, AB. He leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Pearl; two children, Cheryl (Ivan) and Colin (Gina); grandchildren, Bethany (Russell), Jared (Andrea), Amy (Isaac), Emily and Katie and great granddaughter, Florence; sister in law, Gladys Meckelburg; brother-in-law, Bill Fincaryk and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Cort Bruno and Amie Lacadiua; his brother, Everett; his sister; Virginia; brothers-in-law, Metro Fincaryk and Nick Hryhirchuk; sisters-in-law, Mary and Katie Fincaryk and niece, Gracie Hryhirchuk.
Elmer was born April 18,1936 in Lunnford, AB where he grew up and attended school in Lunnford and Barrhead. He was very good in school, particularly math, but unfortunately had to leave after grade 11 and worked in Edmonton at the University Hospital. While living in Edmonton, he met the love of his life, Pearl, and they were married in July 1959. After living in Edmonton for a short time, they moved to a farm south of Manola in 1961. There they had a mixed farm until 1973. Elmer attended NAIT and began to apprentice as a machinist in 1969 with Barrhead Machine and Welding and received his Red Seal Journeyman certificate. Following that, he worked as a service writer with Stephani Motors which lead him to his last profession of insurance adjustor for Alberta Hail and Crop. Elmer was not afraid to try new things or to be challenged.
Elmer loved his family, farming, cars, discussing politics, being up to date on all the news of the day, reading, woodwork and inventing. If something needed fixing or tweaking, Elmer was the guy for the job. If you wanted to know what was going on in the world, Elmer likely would be able to tell you. He was a voracious reader before his eyesight declined. He could read a book, watch TV and keep up with the conversation in the room all at the same time.
Elmer made a point of knowing people’s stories - where they lived, who they knew, what their interests were. And this led to many wonderful visits with new and old friends talking about whatever was on their minds. He also had an incredible ability to remember names and what vehicle they drove!
Elmer loved the Lord and was very involved in the Barrhead Alliance Church before moving to Okotoks. In these past months when he was so ill, he told everyone around him he was ready to see Jesus. His faith was deep and strong which he passed on to his family.
His family will miss his mischievous smile, the twinkle in his eye when he teased, his vast knowledge and his gentle, sweet spirit. He truly was a gentle man who touched many lives.
Due to COVID restrictions, a Memorial Service will hopefully be held in the spring in Barrhead, AB.
Elmer’s family would like to thank the Foothills Country Hospice for their exemplary and compassionate care of him. Donations in Elmer’s memory may be made to Foothills Country Hospice or the charity of one’s choice.
To view and share photos, condolences or memories of Elmer, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
On Wednesday afternoon, November 11, 2020, Elmer Clifford Meckelburg, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather went to be with his Heavenly Father at the age of 84 at the Foothills Country Hospice in Okotoks, AB. He leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Pearl; two children, Cheryl (Ivan) and Colin (Gina); grandchildren, Bethany (Russell), Jared (Andrea), Amy (Isaac), Emily and Katie and great granddaughter, Florence; sister in law, Gladys Meckelburg; brother-in-law, Bill Fincaryk and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Cort Bruno and Amie Lacadiua; his brother, Everett; his sister; Virginia; brothers-in-law, Metro Fincaryk and Nick Hryhirchuk; sisters-in-law, Mary and Katie Fincaryk and niece, Gracie Hryhirchuk.
Elmer was born April 18,1936 in Lunnford, AB where he grew up and attended school in Lunnford and Barrhead. He was very good in school, particularly math, but unfortunately had to leave after grade 11 and worked in Edmonton at the University Hospital. While living in Edmonton, he met the love of his life, Pearl, and they were married in July 1959. After living in Edmonton for a short time, they moved to a farm south of Manola in 1961. There they had a mixed farm until 1973. Elmer attended NAIT and began to apprentice as a machinist in 1969 with Barrhead Machine and Welding and received his Red Seal Journeyman certificate. Following that, he worked as a service writer with Stephani Motors which lead him to his last profession of insurance adjustor for Alberta Hail and Crop. Elmer was not afraid to try new things or to be challenged.
Elmer loved his family, farming, cars, discussing politics, being up to date on all the news of the day, reading, woodwork and inventing. If something needed fixing or tweaking, Elmer was the guy for the job. If you wanted to know what was going on in the world, Elmer likely would be able to tell you. He was a voracious reader before his eyesight declined. He could read a book, watch TV and keep up with the conversation in the room all at the same time.
Elmer made a point of knowing people’s stories - where they lived, who they knew, what their interests were. And this led to many wonderful visits with new and old friends talking about whatever was on their minds. He also had an incredible ability to remember names and what vehicle they drove!
Elmer loved the Lord and was very involved in the Barrhead Alliance Church before moving to Okotoks. In these past months when he was so ill, he told everyone around him he was ready to see Jesus. His faith was deep and strong which he passed on to his family.
His family will miss his mischievous smile, the twinkle in his eye when he teased, his vast knowledge and his gentle, sweet spirit. He truly was a gentle man who touched many lives.
Due to COVID restrictions, a Memorial Service will hopefully be held in the spring in Barrhead, AB.
Elmer’s family would like to thank the Foothills Country Hospice for their exemplary and compassionate care of him. Donations in Elmer’s memory may be made to Foothills Country Hospice or the charity of one’s choice.
To view and share photos, condolences or memories of Elmer, please visit www.choicememorial.com.