Obituary of Elmer Holmquist

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Elmer Olof Holmquist on August 19, 2020 at the age of 84. Elmer was born August 4, 1936 on the family farm north of Kinistino. He was the youngest of 11 children. He attended Pahonan School until he completed grade 8. He then continued to work on the family farm and joined his brothers on the Viking Monarchs softball team for several years. In 1955 he moved to Nanaimo, BC and remained there for 9 years working in construction with one summer spent working for BC Fisheries at Babine Lake, BC. He had a love for cars – especially convertibles - and was known for his heavy foot. Shortly after arriving he met Maureen Robson whom he married on March 28, 1964. Elmer returned to Saskatchewan in 1964 and began life with his new bride north of Kinistino. After moving around for the first couple of years they settled on their own place in 1966. So began a 45 year run where he kept busy raising cattle, custom baling and running his own cement finishing business. He became a dad to two daughters during this time and later welcomed two sons-in-law and two grandchildren into the family. Raising cattle was his passion. Many 4-H members purchased calves throughout the years and did very well at the cattle shows. Countless hours were spent checking on the “boneheads” and attending cattle shows/sales. He received an award in 2003 for 30 years of service on the Melfort Veterinary Service Board. He officially retired and moved off the farm into Kinistino in August 2011. Elmer was particularly proud of his two grandchildren who have both become elite athletes and have received many awards which Elmer was quick to tell everyone about. Elmer will be remembered for his sense of humour, jokes and stories. He took a certain pleasure in scaring people and was known to many as “the forth and back man.” He is survived by his wife of 56 years Maureen; his daughters Loralee (Kelly) Kalinowski and Kathy-Jo (Rex) Newkirk; his grandchildren Shelby and Cole; his brother Arnold (Fay) Holmquist; sisters in law Eleanor Holmquist and Joan Thompson; numerous nieces and nephews; a special cousin Ulla and numerous other relatives in Sweden. He was predeceased by his parents Olof and Johanna; sisters Thora, Ruth, Dora and Sandra; brothers Per, Ben, Peter, Ernest and Ragnor. No formal service will be held. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Canada 209 - 550 St. Clair Ave. West, Toronto, ON M6C 1A5 or Paralympic Foundation of Canada 100 – 85 Plymouth Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 3E2 Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Tracy-Lynn Lenchuk, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.