Elmer Matthias

Elmer Matthias

Elmer Matthias of Tagish, Yukon passed away peacefully at Whistlebend Place in Whitehorse on Friday, May 23, 2025 at the age of 87 years old after a long battle with dementia.

 

Elmer was born in Blackfalds on April 28, 1938 and spent most of his formative and early adult life living in central Alberta. He met the love of his life, Edna, in Lacombe and they were married in 1961. They welcomed two beautiful children and spent their time raising their family in Ponoka and Stettler, Alberta. Elmer and Edna eventually moved back to Blackfalds where they remained into their retirement. Elmer’s focus was always his family and he showered them with kindness and his amazing sense of humour. He was a thoughtful man and his grandchildren always knew if they needed an ear to talk to or a cheering up with a good laugh that he would be right there.

 

Elmer was a very hard worker and made his career working in the oilfield. When he was not working, he would always put aside time to be cheering on his favourite hockey team, the Edmonton Oilers. His family always knew that if a game was on, that they may hear some exuberant language coming from the other room.

 

He was an avid outdoors man and spent much of his free time camping, fishing and gardening. This carried into retirement when Elmer and Edna made the decision to move from Alberta to Tagish, Yukon. Elmer spent his retirement years living out his motto “Don’t Work, Be Happy” and making the most of his free time.

 

He will be forever loved and missed by his wife of 64 years, Edna; children Charlotte (Barry Bayne) Estrada-Bayne of Tagish, Yukon, and Robert (Holly) of Drayon Valley, Alberta; 5 grandchildren: April (Mike) Richardson, Nick Estrada, Amanda (Peter Wagner) Estrada and Victor (Mimi Skingle) Estrada and Jason Matthias and 3 great-grandchild: Evan and Isabella Wagner and Kaidence Estrada. He will also be greatly missed by his sister, Eunice Stetz of Lacombe, Alberta; in addition to numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Elmer was predeceased by his son in law, Frank Estrada, grandson, Ryan Estrada, parents, Louise and Perry Matthias, his sisters, brother in laws and other family members, Ina Mae (Conrad) Klippert, Annis Bovbjerg (Doug Hall), Ed Stetz and Kim Klippert.

 

Elmer’s family would like to thank the dedicated and compassionate staff at Whistlebend Place for their care and to their many friends and family that helped support them through this difficult time.

With respect for Elmer’s wishes, a private remembrance service will be held by his family.