May 4th, 1936 – June 4th, 2021
Heartbreakingly and unexpectedly Philip Bernard Elder passed away on Friday, June 4th, 2021 at the age of 85 years.
He lived this life amongst dear friends and family, and he left this life amongst dear friends and family. There is great solace in knowing that Philip is reunited with his parents Magdalena and Louis Elder, his brother Jerry, his sister Donna and his nephews Craig and Deon.
Philip was a farmer and staunch conservative at heart with nieces, nephews and grandchildren curled up in his lap. He loved to slip his grandchildren enormous chocolate bars, despite all protests. Philip loved German and accordion music (full blast most afternoons). He took the utmost pleasure in creating and fixing things including potato guns, loved camping and the outdoors. He enjoyed Caesars while discussing national and regional politics as well as biking and playing hockey (avid Calgary Flames fan). With his ruffled hair, he was a world-renowned crib player. Philip was the consummate joke teller, all while taking the high road and being a gentleman. He was close to his siblings, attended church and loved telling stories from when he was growing up in Revenue, Saskatchewan.
Philip Elder was the eldest of nine children in a close family headed by Magdalena (née Gerein) and Louis Elder of Lethbridge, Alberta.
Philip lived a full and accomplished life. His middle years were highlighted by the establishment of Phil’s Small Engine Service. Later years were marked by his commitment to his family and friends, duty to the Church, playing crib, biking and gardening.
Missed by all, Philip is survived by his wife of 59 years, Donna Elder. Adoring father of Deborah Elder, Nancy Fitzgerald and Rob Elder. Survived by his great-grandchildren and grandchildren – Makenzie, Kelton, Izabella, Mannix, Annalise, Merrick, Sierra and Hailey Marie Rose. Dear brother of Jean, Edith, Diane, Jim, Doug and Phyllis. Loving uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at Zentner Funeral Homes on Wednesday, June 30th, 2021, at 1:00 pm. Due to the maximum attendance regulations, please pre-register your attendance by calling Zentner Funeral Homes at 403-625-3212, with masks and social distancing protocol in place. For those unable to attend the Celebration of Life, you are welcome to join virtually via live stream on Zoom https://zoom.us/j/95050916868.