LIEN
It is with profound sadness, but enduring admiration, loving respect and gratitude, that we share the loss of our beloved Husband, Father and "Big Papa", Elmer Edward Lien. Elmer passed away peacefully, in his 93rd year, on Saturday, June 2, 2012 with his wife and soulmate Betty, and his family by his side. Elmer was born in Moose Jaw on July 5,1919 to Carl and Olga Lien, spending a happy childhood in Crane Valley, where he attended Marigold and Crane Valley Schools. He left country life behind to join the Second World War effort, serving as an Air Frame Mechanic with the Royal Canadian Air Force, in Ontario, England and then Burma. During his time in England, he met and married the love of his life, Betty Mary Heath. She preceded him to Canada as a War Bride, and they were reunited in early 1945, on his return from service. Elmer and Betty set up house in Moose Jaw, where they raised a family of three, two daughters and a son. Early on, Dad apprenticed in Carpentry, attending school in Saskatoon, while Mom worked at the University Library. Dad worked for Bird Construction in Moose Jaw, Veterans' Land Act in Regina, and finished his career at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, in the Preventive Maintenance arm of the Construction Engineering Department. Dad loved people, so his profound hearing loss in later years was for him a hard cross to bear. Over the years, he contributed many hours to supporting Mom in her work with the Canadian Red Cross, belonged to AOTS at St. Andrew’s United Church, delivered Meals on Wheels and was a 60 year member of the Royal Canadian Legion. Dad was a gifted musician, a talented artisan in the medium of woodwork and an accomplished painter of oils. We enjoyed carols around the piano at Christmas and mini-concerts at family times. Wherever he lived, his friends and neighbours enjoyed the gift of his music; and we in his family all have doll beds, novelties, bird houses and oil paintings which will be forever treasured. Above all, Dad was a family man. His love was a grounding force in our world. He was a staunch and untiring caregiver for Mom as she battled various health concerns in their last ten years together. Theirs was a great love. Dad always said, "We have had such a lovely romance." His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant the world to him. He was a real gentleman of the classic cut, but also a very gentle man. He is survived by his wife of nearly 69 years, Betty; daughter Gillian (Martin) Lien-¬Robinson of Mississauga, ON; grandsons Duncan (Liberty) Robinson and great-grandson Cole of Calgary AB and Fletcher (Joanna) Robinson and great-granddaughter Raelynne of Oakville, ON; daughter Debbie (Bob) Thompson of Buffalo Pound Lake, SK: granddaughter Michelle (Steven) Michaluk, great-grandsons Stefan and Carter and great-granddaughter Kylee; granddaughter Amanda (Kevin) Zarubin, great-granddaughters Brooke and Alicia; granddaughter Shannon (Ryan) Osask, great¬-granddaughters Mykayla and Summer, great-grandson Lukas, all of Moose Jaw; son Greg of Buffalo Pound Lake, SK: granddaughter Jade (Justin) Clewis, great-grandson Kale of Moose Jaw; grandson Jordan of Fort McMurray AB; Jade and Jordan's mother, Patti of Moose Jaw; sister-in-law Pam (Steven) Graefer, nieces Janice and Denise and their families of Calgary AB; numerous cousins in B.C., Sweden and Norway; and friends far and wide. Dad was predeceased by his parents Carl and Olga Lien, his in-laws Fred and Beatrice Heath, his beloved great-grandson Mason Clewis, special friends Gord and Marg McKay, Gord Shiels, Alec and Joy Young, Ormond Francis and Cecil and Myrtle Sanderson, and many others from the old neighbourhood on Wolfe Avenue. The family wishes to thank the Administration and staff of Five Hills Health Region, staff at The Bentley, caregivers at Crescent Park Villa, Moose Jaw Union Hospital, Pioneer Lodge and GARU at Providence Place. To the wonderful compassionate staff and caregivers at Extendicare, you have our enduring thanks and admiration. You have been a blessing to Mom and Dad, and thus to all of us. Following a private family Committal Service, there will be a Come & Go reception for friends and family at the Jones Family Centre, 262 Athabasca St. E. on Monday June 11, 2012 at 3:30 pm. Flowers are gratefully declined. In memory of Elmer, those so wishing may make a contribution to the Moose Jaw Branch of the Canadian Red Cross, the Children's Wish Foundation, or a charity of one’s choice. In living memory of Elmer, a tree will be planted in Besant Park by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register book at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). Due to family circumstances, beyond our control, these arrangements may be subject to change. Please check the website, or with the Funeral Home.
STEPHANIE WEBER – DAYNA SMITH-SHORT FUNERAL DIRECTOR