Elmer Proznick

After a long and well lived life, we are saddened to announce the passing of our Dad and Gramps, Elmer Proznick at the Berkley Care Centre, North Vancouver in his 91st year. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Lou; grandson Michael; parents Joe and Dora; sisters Mary, Lena, and Elsie; brothers Paul and Nick. He will be lovingly remembered by his children Paul (Lana), Lynn (Rob), Joe (Cam), and Gary (Jeanette); grandchildren Matthew, Nicola, Chase, Sydney and Emma; his brother Fred; sisters-in-law Joan, Emily, and Ann Marie; many nieces and nephews; and his very special furry friend, Buster.

Elmer was always interested in the world around him, be it current events, sports, politics, income tax, or animal and nature facts. He loved to read the newspaper cover to cover, and do a crossword puzzle with a good cup of coffee. Elmer’s wit, humour and helpful sayings - almost always rhyming - were personality traits that many will remember with great fondness. Elmer, as part of the welcoming committee, humbly welcomed and shook hands with Pope John Paul II on his arrival to Vancouver in 1984. He also donated blood 143 times to Canadian Blood Services, and his happiest claim to fame was preparing his delicious turkey stuffing for special family gatherings. Elmer’s kind and caring nature touched the hearts of everyone he met. Elmer had the desire to do whatever he could do for others and expected nothing in return.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the wonderful, compassionate and excellent health care professionals at the Berkley Care Centre. We are grateful and blessed to have called “the Berkley” our extended family for the last 5 years.

A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Corpus Christi Church, 6350 Nanaimo Street, Vancouver, BC. on Wednesday, April 2nd at 11:00am. A reception will follow in the church vestibule. The interment will take place at the Garden of Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery.

In Elmer’s honour, perhaps the most fitting tribute would be to do something nice for someone else in his memory.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

“We can do no great things – only small things with great love.” —Mother Teresa