Tysdal, Elmer Emery Elmer Tysdal passed away peacefully holding the hand of his son Rod on June 3rd, 2008 at Lions Gate Hospital, North Vancouver. The son of Orville and Hazel Tysdal, Elmer was born on the family farm in Briercrest, Saskatchewan where he later attended school and was a regular participant in the local events, including playing baseball for the Avonlea Arrows, making ice at the local curling rink and winning many turkey shoots. He attended school in Briercrest and joined the RCAF in 1941, where he proudly served until 1945 leaving with the rank of Flight Sergeant. He was awarded the RCAF Sharp Shooters Medal. He married Evelyn Tyler in 1942 and celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1992. Evelyn predeceased Elmer in May, 2003. He farmed in Briercrest until 1955 when he moved to California after seeing the Rose Parade for 3 years after T.V. arrived. He built a new life using his highly developed entrepreneurial skills and was a member of a curling team that represented California in the United States Curling Championships in Boston. Later he was to return to Canada and build a home in Nanaimo and later retired in White Rock. Elmer was particularly proud of increasing the Canadian Association of Retired Persons membership in White Rock from very few to over 3,000 members. Elmer is survived by his three children, Judy, Carol and Rod, eight grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Martin and sister Genevieve, both from Saskatchewan. Elmer's greatest legacy to all will be his can-do attitude and hard work ethic. He achieved many of his goals in his life and lived to travel the world with his best friend and wife, Evelyn. The family would like to thank all of those who were such help to us throughout Elmer's illness, particularly his son who bore the greatest responsibility, his friends in White Rock, Powell River and Saskatchewan and to his caregiver Lynda, who gave him familiar comfort in his final days. May you find the peace you deserve Elmer. A viewing will be held Saturday, June 7th from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. at First Memorial Funeral Services, 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver, 604-980-3451. Internment of his ashes will be beside Evelyn in Conquest, Saskatchewan in a private burial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Elmer Tysdal Bursary Fund, c/o the University of Saskatchewan at Saskatoon.