Obituary of Elmer Raymond Skalicky

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Father and Grandfather, Elmer Raymond Skalicky on Tuesday, June 28, 2016, one month after his 77th Birthday. Dad was born on May 29th, 1939 in Lake Lenore Saskatchewan to Rose Skalicky (Puetz) and Joseph Skalicky. He spoke fondly of the wide open fields and peacefulness that he enjoyed on the farm. Dad moved with his family to Prince Albert while still in school and spent all but the last four months of his life there. Dad spent most weekends in the summer taking us kids on camping trips to Candle Lake and Waskesiu. Many evenings were spent around the campfire where Dad taught us how to whittle using branches we collected from the forest. Dad created beautiful items out of whittled branches and birch bark, which we tried unsuccessfully to replicate. Dad also spent a lot of time supporting us in sports and other activities. Regularly, he would get up in the early morning hours to take us to the rink for figure skating and hockey. He also helped coach several teams. If ever we needed Dad’s help, he would be there for us without criticism. Knowing this, enabled us in our younger years to call on him if ever we found ourselves in a difficult situation. This is one of the parenting lessons that carried forward in our own parenting. Dad had a varied career, working at: Burns Foods ltd until its closure, the Prince Albert Correctional Facility, Motor Repair and in retail. While Dad did have some struggles in later life, including a couple of cancer setbacks, he loved us and was not afraid to tell us that. We all knew that he was a proud father and grandfather. In February of this year, Dad made the move to Regina to be closer to us. Having Dad close allowed us to support Dad with going to appointments, etc. We also enjoyed regular visits, dinners and shopping trips with Dad, while he was in Regina. A couple of weeks ago, it was discovered that Dad’s cancer had reappeared with vengeance, and this lead to his admission into the Palliative Care Unit at the Pasqua Hospital where he passed away four days later. We really wish that Dad could have conquered this awful disease; however, this was not to be. Knowing that Dad is at peace, living with our Lord and free from pain, gives us solace. Dad, we love you and will miss you always! Dad is lovingly remembered by us, his children: Dawn Skalicky-Souliere (Mike), Fred Skalicky (Annette), and Garth Springett; his grandchildren: Taylor, Dillon, Alynn, Shayla and Mitchell; his siblings: Shirley Tingvoll (Gunnar), Maury Skalicky (Bernie), Dan Skalicky; sister in-law (Edna Skalicky), as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Dad was predeceased by his parents (Rose and Joseph Skalicky), brothers (Joseph Skalicky, Ken Skalicky, and Ron Skalicky), his sister and brother in-law (Evelyn and Ben Schuler), his sister in-law (Jacqueline Skalicky), nephew (Randy Skalicky), and niece (Joanne Robb). A Funeral Mass celebrating Dad’s life will be held at St. Mark Roman Catholic Church, 581 – 9th Street East, Prince Albert, SK on Friday, July 8, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. Interment at Prince Albert Memorial Gardens, where Dad will be laid to rest with his brother Joseph. Lunch to follow. Donations in Dad’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1910 McIntyre Street, Regina, SK S4P 2R3. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com.