Bo Elik

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Bo Elik who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Bo was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Bo knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

      Bo was born on October 17, 1929 at Kolleck Settlement Hospital in Kolleck Settlement, Manitoba. His parents were Jessie Pekar and William Elik Sr. Bo was raised in Geralton, Ontario. Even as a youngster, Bo learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Bo was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Bo was raised with three brothers, William, Michael and Peter. Bo had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Bo, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

      Bo's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Bo enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Bo took part in hockey, skiing and skating and in his spare time he liked driving. Bo's memorable achievements included driving a transport truck at age 12.

      In school, Bo was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Bo was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Bo’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Geralton High School in 1946. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favourite classes and teachers. His favourite class in high school was Phys Ed.

      Bo was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Bo was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Bo came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Brian Tighe, and his brothers, Michael, Peter and Willy Elik.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Bo reveled in the security of his family. On June 11, 1951 Bo exchanged wedding vows with Jacqueline Amelia Archbold at the Runnymede Presbyterian Church of Toronto, Ontario. One of Bo’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

      Bo was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Bo would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Bo was blessed with four children, Edward, Marty, Jeff and Jessica. They were also blessed with eight grandchildren, Tammy, Matthew, Joshua, Nicholas, Michael, Alyssa, Cassandra and Brittany, two great grandchildren, Riley and Kobe.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Bo was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Bo was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Bo upheld his standards. His primary occupation was as a truck driver. He was employed for transport of auto vehicles through McCallum Transport for 40 years and the American Hockey League. Bo was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Bo approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favourite pursuits were socializing at the Marwood Tavern & Restaurant, fishing, cutting wood, volunteering to assist any friend who needed help.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Bo to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Bo played hockey, golf and skating. Recreational sports included golf, hockey and walking. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favourite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football, golf, hockey, basketball, Nascar Racing.

      A civic-minded person, Bo was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Bo was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the NHL Oldtimers Hockey and Habitat for Humanity. During these years, Bo applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

      As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Bo could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to him by those he helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Bo; rather, when he saw that there was a need to get something done, he was more than willing to give his time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of his most prestigious awards included Rookie Of The Year - Hockey Award, and the Northern Ontario Hockey Hall of Fame.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Bo used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Bo had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favourite vacations included Geraldton, Florida, Arizona and Providence of Rhode Island.

      Bo was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Bo’s favourites was Patches, a Poodle. They were best friends for 11 years.

      When Bo’s retirement finally arrived in 1994, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. In retirement, he found new pleasure in golf, hockey and socializing with friends. In many ways, Bo loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

      Bo passed away peacefully after a vehicle accident, on May 2, 2013 at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Ontario. He is survived by his children, Edward, Martin, Jeff and Jessica, his grandchildren, Tammy, Matthew, Josh, Nick, Michael, Alyssa, Cassandra,and Brittany, and his great grandchildren, Riley and Kobe. Services were held at Oshawa Funeral Home. Bo was laid to rest in Sundridge Strong Township Cemetery in Sundridge, Ontario.

      All who knew him would agree that Bo was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Bo Elik did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

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ELIK, Bo (Boris)

Peacefully at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto on Thursday, May 2nd, 2013 at 83 years of age. Beloved husband of the late Jacqueline Elik. Loving father of Edward (Wendy), Marty (Kelly), Jeff (Florence), Jessica (Dan) Markovic. Dear grandfather of Tammy (Chris), Matthew (Jenn), Josh (Samantha), Nick (Denise), Michael, Alyssa, Cassandra, Brittany, and great grandfather of Riley and Kobe. Brother of the late Peter, Willy, and Mike (Nancy). He will be sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and other close relatives. Proud father of Patches, his best friend. Boris was our hockey legend who went to the American Hockey League and played for the Cleveland Barons. Many thanks to the staff at Northumberland Hills Hospital and St. Michael’s Hospital, Trauma and Neurosurgery I.C.U. for their care and compassion. Visitation will be held at the OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Friday, May 10th from 7 – 9 p.m. and on Saturday, May 11th from 2:00 p.m. until time of Memorial Service in the Chapel at 3:00 p.m. Interment of cremated remains will be held on Sunday, May 12th at 1:00 p.m. at the Sundridge Strong Township Cemetery. Memorial donations the Ontario Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canadian Tire Jump Start or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.