Elmar Ludvigs Chulka

Left to mourn him are his son Arthur, daughter Sandra (Doug), grandson Keith (Rebecca), granddaughter Alanna (Brent), and great-granddaughters Sophie, Claire, Austyn, Ryley and Haisley. He will also be dearly missed by the Deme family; his brother-in-law Imants (Lidija), his nieces Karen (Ross) and Larisa (Chris), and great-nephews Ruben and Theo. Greatly missing him will be the Ceplis family; his nieces Dinah and Ilze (Mike), great-niece Nikola (Justin), nephew Jim (Jacinta), and great-nephew Quinn. He will also be missed by friends in Manitoba, especially in Gimli. He was predeceased by his wife Dzidra in 2022.

Elmar experienced a remarkable life, from his youth in Bauska, Latvia, to his 1938 solo journey at age 15 to Canada, to his ability to undertake trucking, mining, and farming for a living, and his long convalescence and recovery from a significant fall at work. His 36-year career with Winnipeg Hydro in Pointe du Bois, MB led to a lifestyle where he and Dzidra enjoyed many outdoor activities on the Winnipeg River.

Retirement included travels to Texas, and a move to Gimli where they made many friends. Elmar played a competitive game of cribbage right up to his last days. His retirement hobby of wood carving has provided us with many animal figurines that demonstrate his talent and fine motor skills.

After more than 71 years of marriage and Dzidra’s passing, his life changed dramatically, but his “let’s take it on” attitude did not. At age 101, he willingly left his charming life in Gimli to move to distant Prince George to be closer to his immediate family who welcomed him.

Elmar was so grateful to those friends and family who walked by his side throughout his long life, and ultimately, to the health personnel at UHNBC and the cheerful, caring staff at Jubilee Lodge in Prince George.