Bruce Elder

Bruce was born in Coronach, the third child of William Harold and Nellie Florence (Sorsdahl) Elder. He and his siblings, Dorothy, Joyce, Larry and Ruth were raised on the family farm. Bruce, along with his siblings, attended Luella and Berg country schools, and then to Coronach School for his high school years. On Larry’s recent visit, he and Bruce chuckled at Larry’s memories of traveling to school on horseback and by sleigh during the winter. After graduation, Bruce attended the University of Saskatchewan and was granted a Diploma in Agriculture. Bruce then returned to the farm where he worked the land with his father until Harold retired in 1976. Grant joined Bruce in 1983 and they farmed together until Bruce’s retirement in the spring of 2003. Grant continues to farm the homestead. Bruce married his loving wife of 56 years, Kathleen (Forbes) on May 21, 1960. They have a daughter Brenda (Wayne) Russell and their daughter Brittany (Jeff) Young; and a son Grant (Kelly Holbrook) Elder and their children Dallas (Shelby), Boycie (Leya) (and their son Easton) and Delaney. Bruce loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren and his great grandson, Easton, who could always make Bruce smile. Although Bruce lost his ability to communicate well when he had the stroke in February, his feelings for his family were very easily conveyed. He always had a chuckle for the grandkids and loved to see a picture or video of Easton, watching it over and over. Bruce loved farming and was a perfectionist, particularly when it came to farming. He always said, “You can't grow a crop if you are growing weeds”. Grant and Wayne both agree the rows had to be straight when seeding. Many great family times were spent in the field, having supper, riding in the combine and learning to drive the grain truck. He wanted to ensure his grandchildren were able to drive so he took each one of them to the farm to practice. He loved to pack his tomato sandwiches in the morning that would be perfectly soggy by lunch time! He treasured the years when his brothers-in-law Don and Floyd came to help. Even after his retirement he was always at the farm checking the crops and keeping the grass cut for Grant. To supplement the sometimes scarce income on the farm, Bruce worked as a truck driver in Saskatoon for two winters and then worked with Dwain at Dwain's Plumbing for several years. He also spent some time with the Clarks custom combining in the northern states. Kathleen remembers Brenda writing her homesick dad a letter when he was away that he kept for many years. Bruce and Kathleen loved to travel as long as it didn't involve an airplane. Bruce had his favourite stops... the Assiniboia Hardware Store...not the gas station to use the washroom...the Moose Jaw Casino... great bathroom... that gas station on the hill outside of Edmonton. You didn’t mess with his route! And you certainly didn’t pass by a Dairy Queen without picking up a hot fudge sundae! Brittany was always excited to hear that Grandpa and Grandma were coming to the city, as she knew that meant a trip to Dairy Queen! He also loved to stop by the Mini Mart for a treat! Although they hated to fly, they did make some memorable trips... a couple of them being a trip to the East Coast and one to Hawaii. Bruce is likely one of the only guys in Hawaii to wear cowboy boots and long sleeves to the beach! But, their true love was found when they began to spend their winters in Laughlin, Nevada. The winter included spending time visiting with family and the many new friends they made over the years and of course spinning the wheel on their favourite machines. We all know that Bruce was famous for trading his almost new Dodge vehicle for the newest model and then keeping it spotless! Many times people wouldn't even know he bought a new one as it was so similar to the one he traded off. Bruce loved playing, coaching and watching sports - playing baseball for many years. Often he would watch two TVs at the same time so he could keep his eye on two or more games at the same time. He could be heard yelling at both of them at the same time. He especially enjoyed baseball and watching the Toronto Blue Jays. Bruce and Kathleen traveled many times to watch the Blue Jays live in Minneapolis and most recently in Seattle. Grandpa also watched many of the grandchildren's activities. Many times traveling to Regina to Brittany's ringette games he would say that girl's ringette was so much rougher than hockey. Grandpa loved to hear Dallas sing, taking in many of Parallel 49s gigs, even though he wasn’t a fan of loud music! Bruce was a great supporter of the Coronach Golf course. He golfed many rounds over the years. Bruce was very active, walking several miles a day and going for coffee at Debs twice a day. Bruce was an active member of the Coronach United Church, keeping the grass cut at the church and the manse when it was unoccupied. For many, many years you could find Bruce in the same seat at the United Church.

Bruce loved to laugh and joke with his family and friends. Although he couldn't always join in recent conversations he chuckled along and really enjoyed the visits from friends and family and we thank all who were able to stop by to see him. Bruce and Kathleen attended every family event near and far and his boisterous laugh will be missed around the card table and all the gatherings. We are grateful for the life of Bruce and if we can be grateful for things that happened only because Bruce fell ill, we would be grateful for a family road trip and family time in Vegas and that Grandma got to share Laughlin with Grant and the kids. We are forever grateful for the hand holding, hugs and kisses that we shared with Bruce. Bruce was predeceased by his parents Harold and Florence and in-laws Royden and Ethel Forbes. Brothers-in-law, Clifford Andrews, Grant Mitchell, Bob Fuson, Bob Forbes, Harold Forbes, Floyd Johnstone and his grandsons Brody, Curtis and Carson Elder. Bruce is survived by his wife Kathleen and a large family whom he adored and who adored him. A Celebration of Bruce's life was held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 12 at the Coronach Alliance Church, with lunch and remembrances following at the Coronach Community Hall. Memorials accepted for the Coronach Golf Course or the Coronach Sportsplex. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.rossfuneralservice.com.