GILSON Elmer George
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Elmer George Gilson, at the age of 83 years, on Saturday August 20, at home, surrounded by the love of his family.
Elmer was predeceased by his father, Norman Gilson, his mother, Susan Gilson, a sister, Hazel and brother, Cameron.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife and life partner of 56 years, Shirley; his four children Wendi, Neil (Jacquie), Kerry and Kevin (Lisa), his brother Ken and sisters, Esther and Isabel. He will be forever missed by his grandchildren, Ezra, Natalie, Halley, Emily, Rebecca, Lulu and Brandon.
Elmer was born at his home in the Swan River Valley on November 2, 1927. He grew up learning the value of hard work, on the farm, in nearby lumber camps and on local construction crews. In later years, in Winnipeg, he managed his own small, successful construction company.
Elmer was a great outdoorsman. He took great pleasure in sharing his love of nature with the local cubs and scouts clubs. He loved his family, was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He spent most summers camping with his family at campsites near and far, at the Rosseau River farm site and at the Sugar Point cottage on Lake Manitoba. He enjoyed puttering in his workshop, one project being a raft to delight his visiting grandchildren.
He had 18 wonderful years of retirement, much of it spent traveling the highways and byways of our great continent with Shirley in their Road Trek van. Golfing, curling and hiking remained his favorite pastimes until just a few months ago and his quirky sense of humor was with him until the end.
A Memorial Service in his honor will take place at a future date.