Elwyn Officer

A Tribute to Dad (Eulogy) Hello everyone and Welcome On behalf of my mother Marion, sisters Judy, Jane, and Ellen, and myself, Wayne, I want to thank you all for coming today. As well as to thank you for all of the words of support, the food delivered to Dad & Mom’s house, the cards, the flowers, and most importantly, the hugs! As you know, my Dad was never one that wanted to be the centre of attention. He was always most comfortable letting others be in the so called spotlight, but don’t be fooled, he would always voice an opinion when he felt it was needed, give advice that you knew was always the best advice, or to make a sly, quick witted comment, that demonstrated his dry sense of humour, that would always make you smile. Keeping in mind where he felt most at ease, I initially wondered how I could keep Dad out of the spotlight today, especially considering where we find ourselves today. So, instead of standing up here today and listing off the stats or facts about him, like where he grew up, how tall he was, who his parents were, etc., (of course all important details about him, but you know those already), I have decided to talk about US instead. Yes, that’s right US. Each one of us, in some way or another, is a product of him. Why else would you be here? Let me explain a bit. During his 82 years and 237 days, each one of us has been fortunate to have been positively influenced by him, whether it’s your individual character as a person, or in the case of me and my three sisters, created, in part, by him. Think for a minute of why I say that! Well, ok, not that last part about me and my three sisters; that’s a whole other conversation. Think about the first time Elwyn Grant Officer came into your life. Maybe you were first introduced to Dad through a simple gesture from him, like a smile, a quick ‘hello’, an impromptu discussion about the weather, or a random chat at a farm auction about how the crops were doing. His friendly ways were always so soothing and had a gentle way of drawing you in. Have you given a friendly gesture to a stranger lately? If you first met him through a sudden glance into his eyes, you knew instantly he had a good soul and a warm heart. Or perhaps, you happened to get that glance from him that got his message across without him having to say anything at all. Have you mastered that look yet? Perhaps you had the opportunity to move into an area where he and mom lived, whether it is their current home here in Mount Forest, the house they built on the farm lot in Conn, or the family farm itself. Whenever Dad & Mom heard of people moving in next door, or onto the street, or onto the block, or onto the same country road, or onto the next concession for that matter, they would always arrive on their doorstep, baked goods in hand, with a friendly smile and a firm handshake to welcome them to the neighbourhood. Dad strongly believed that neighbours are the heart of any community. Not knowing your neighbours, meant not knowing who kept the community alive. Not knowing your neighbours meant not helping keep the community alive. Although, if you were to ask my sister Judy, she didn’t always think this was always such a good thing, as I think her and Rick ended up with a couple of hundred people at their wedding reception they didn’t know. When did you last introduce yourself to the new people that have moved in? For a few of you, I know your first introduction to him would have been playing hockey with him on the Conn Hickory Hockey team, where he was once awarded ‘The Most Gentlemanly Player Award’; an award I don’t think I need to explain why it is bestowed on the chosen recipient. If you took his actions on the ice home with you, you know you were going to win the biggest game of all...Life! Are you winning at the game of Life? As all of us know, Dad had a challenging life, to put it mildly, the past number of years. Trapped in his body that had given up, but a mind and a strong will to live that didn’t. Whether you first experienced his strong will as determination or, some would say stubbornness, it’s what kept him going. Perhaps knowing that may have caused you to think about a challenging situation in your own life and to make you say to yourself “if Elwyn can do it, there is no excuse for me not doing it!” Have you given up on a challenge lately? Dad was never one to complain about anything, although I am sure there are times when Mom might argue that point! Many of the nurses and doctors he was fortunate, or some would say unfortunate, to have met, always commented on this fact, and said that he was a breath of fresh air when many patients were always complaining about everything. I think that, along with his ‘quiet charm’, managed to get him an extra piece of pie or two during his many hospital visits. Have you complained about something lately? So, I stand here before you today, with a challenge for each and every one of you. When you leave here today and go back to your regular routine, I challenge you with this; not once, not twice, but every day. Next time you are walking down the street and an unfamiliar face approaches, give a smile or a quick ‘hello’ like Dad would. Who knows whose funeral you might end up at years from now, knowing that smile or ‘hello’ you gave, resulted in YOU becoming part of the final product of a once stranger’s life. When new people move into the house next door, or onto your street, or onto the block, or onto the same country road, or the next concession over, do as Dad would do; introduce yourself and get to know those that will make your neighbourhood heart beat! Your life will flourish. Next time you are challenged with a difficult situation in life, don’t give up. Show your determination, be stubborn, and get through it, like Dad would. As you may have noticed, getting through this eulogy has been difficult for me, but I would not have passed up the honour of doing so for anything! Some of you may think I am too much of a product of my Dad’s stubbornness, so let’s just call it ‘being determined!’ from now on. Next time instead of complaining about whatever’s got you all worked up and in a state, pause for a minute like Dad would, and find the positive in the situation. Nothing can be ALL bad! Besides, no one listens when you complain anyway, but they sure do when you give a compliment! Treat those people in your daily life like Dad did, and you too will win “The Most Gentlemanly Player Award” and the game of life. And finally if, you haven’t mastered ‘that look’ yet, that Dad had, where those that meet you instantly know you are a good soul or have a warm heart, keep practicing! As the saying goes, “Practice makes perfect”. If you take up this challenge every day, then however you knew him, whether it be as Elwyn, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Neighbour, Friend, or Friendly Stranger, he will continue to live on through each and every one of us every day. I don’t know about you, but that sure sounds like one life, well lived!! So, before I go, I would ask that Rick, Scott, and Mike come forward and join me up here for a minute please. Every year when we would all assemble together on Christmas Eve, the evening wouldn’t be over until Dad and the boys had “One more before we sleep”. Dad...let’s have one more, before we sleep!

Marion and family, Our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you. Barry & Thelma Rawn

We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Elwyn. Our thoughts are with you at this time. Our Deepest Sympathies to Marion and family. Ken & Margy Smart

Marion and family Just want you to know we are thinking of you and yours at this very sad time. We are sorry we cannot be there.Paul and Wilma

Our deepest sympathy to all of the family with the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Our thoughts and prayers to Aunt Marion, Judy, Jane, Ellen & Wayne & families. May the memories of Uncle Elwyn help you find peace.

We are very sorry to hear of your loss, please accept our Deepest Sympathy, Jerry, Valerie and Families

Dear Marion, Judy, Jane,Ellen, Wayne and families. So very sorry to learn of the passing of Elwyn (Dad). He was truly such a wonderful human being in every sense of the word. As your family and friends surround you may you find comfort and peace. Sincerely with love, Marg and Kelly.

dear aunt marion we're so sorry to hear about the loss of uncle elwyn.our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.love bill and barb officer

Jane; My deepest condolences to you Scott and your family. May your many memories help you in the days ahead. Michele (Northlander)

Dear Jane & Scott Our sincere condolences on the loss of your father. May the many wonderful memories you have keep him forever close to your hearts and know that we are all thinking about you and your family. Sincerely Audrey & Steve Skinner

My sympathy goes out to the family of Elwyn. Cherish the memories.