Tribute Wall
Service Information
When
Friday, August 29th, 2014 2:00pm
Officiating
Reverend Linda Tomlinson-Seebach
Location
Piche-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapel Assiniboia
Address
601 Highway 2 North
Assiniboia, SK S0H 0B0
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The family of Donald ELLIS uploaded a photo
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
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The family of Donald ELLIS uploaded a photo
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
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Y
Your loving son Nick 2015 lit a candle
Friday, August 14, 2015
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Not seen but always on our minds.
D
Donna Heerensperger lit a candle
Thursday, August 28, 2014
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You have touched many lives, gave hope and support, and showed your love and caring throughout your life. You have left the world a better place, and I am so glad you were in my life.
D
Donna Heerensperger lit a candle
Thursday, August 28, 2014
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My memories of Uncle Don
My mom, Audrey was Uncle Don's youngest sister, and she often told my sister Marsha and I stories about how her younger brother would tease her, and how she got mad at him once and took a swing at him - knocking off his glasses! She remembered that they landed by a rock... And she was so relieved that they didn't break! In spite of (or maybe because
of )their sibling rivalry, Uncle Don always had a special place in mom's heart. It was only natural that Marsha and I loved him enthusiastically and looked forward to seeing him as well.
When I look back, I realize that my uncle was a young man when Marsha and I came along, so it was only natural that he joined in our games and fun. He would take our feet and then spin around so that we were airborne. We were relentless in demanding he do it again and again and he always obliged.
I was the "bookworm" and I loved school, so when Uncle Don visited he always asked to see my schoolwork, report cards, and to talk about what I was reading. It was his sincere enthusiasm and belief in me that helped me excel in school, and he was excited about me going away to University and becoming a nurse. Marsha was not an enthusiastic student, but she loved horses and riding, and Uncle Don took great interest in her progress, and really cheered her on. When Marsha and I grew older, we would often reminisce about the great talks each of us had with Uncle Don, and how much he influenced our lives. He had the ability to make each one of us feel "we were the favorite", a skill that he used in the classroom as well.
When I got married, there was no question about who should give the toast to the bride - it had to be Uncle Don. His speech was so touching... It is one of my favorite memories.
When Marsha was diagnosed with ALS, it was a very difficult time. I remember Uncle Don and Aunt Jessie coming to the Vancouver airport to see Marsha and I on our way to San Francisco. It meant a great deal to Marsha. Later, as her illness progressed Uncle Don came to Calgary to say goodbye..... He was devastated by what was happening, and displayed great courage and deep love as he spent those precious hours by her side. That act of kindness meant so much to Marsha, and gave her great peace.
I was fortunate to have time with Uncle Don after his diagnosis and we talked about what our relationship meant to us. He had modelled how to support and show your love and caring when he said goodbye to Marsha, and I was thankful to have the same opportunity with him. There is a gigantic hole in my heart and I miss him terribly, but I take comfort in my memories.
I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the amazing love that Aunt Jessie and Uncle Don shared. I loved being with them, and watching their tenderness and caring. I know that Uncle Don's life was changed forever with his marriage to Aunt Jessie, and the addition of Nick ( and later Nick's family) to his life. I know that without their love and support, we would not have had Uncle Don for as long as we did.
I love you, and am thinking of you.
D
Donna Heerensperger posted a condolence
Thursday, August 28, 2014
My mom, Audrey was Uncle Don's youngest sister, and she often told my sister Marsha and I stories about how her younger brother would tease her, and how she got mad at him once and took a swing at him - knocking off his glasses! She remembered that they landed by a rock... And she was so relieved that they didn't break! In spite of (or maybe because
of )their sibling rivalry, Uncle Don always had a special place in mom's heart. It was only natural that Marsha and I loved him enthusiastically and looked forward to seeing him as well.
When I look back, I realize that my uncle was a young man when Marsha and I came along, so it was only natural that he joined in our games and fun. He would take our feet and then spin around so that we were airborne. We were relentless in demanding he do it again and again and he always obliged.
I was the "bookworm" and I loved school, so when Uncle Don visited he always asked to see my schoolwork, report cards, and to talk about what I was reading. It was his sincere enthusiasm and belief in me that helped me excel in school, and he was excited about me going away to University and becoming a nurse. Marsha was not an enthusiastic student, but she loved horses and riding, and Uncle Don took great interest in her progress, and really cheered her on. When Marsha and I grew older, we would often reminisce about the great talks each of us had with Uncle Don, and how much he influenced our lives. He had the ability to make each one of us feel "we were the favorite", a skill that he used in the classroom as well.
When I got married, there was no question about who should give the toast to the bride - it had to be Uncle Don. His speech was so touching... It is one of my favorite memories.
When Marsha was diagnosed with ALS, it was a very difficult time. I remember Uncle Don and Aunt Jessie coming to the Vancouver airport to see Marsha and I on our way to San Francisco. It meant a great deal to Marsha. Later, as her illness progressed Uncle Don came to Calgary to say goodbye..... He was devastated by what was happening, and displayed great courage and deep love as he spent those precious hours by her side. That act of kindness meant so much to Marsha, and gave her great peace.
I was fortunate to have time with Uncle Don after his diagnosis and we talked about what our relationship meant to us. He had modelled how to support and show your love and caring when he said goodbye to Marsha, and I was thankful to have the same opportunity with him. There is a gigantic hole in my heart and I miss him terribly, but I take comfort in my memories.
I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the amazing love that Aunt Jessie and Uncle Don shared. I loved being with them, and watching their tenderness and caring. I know that Uncle Don's life was changed forever with his marriage to Aunt Jessie, and the addition of Nick ( and later Nick's family) to his life. I know that without their love and support, we would not have had Uncle Don for as long as we did.
I love you, and am thinking of you.
J
Jackie and Ernie Harapiak posted a condolence
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Our condolences to the Ellis Family. May God be with you!
L
Lois Struble posted a condolence
Thursday, August 28, 2014
So sorry you lost your brother Mildred, hope all your memories ease the pain of your loss. Hope this finds you well. Much sympathy, Lois Struble
P
Paula Koch posted a condolence
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Nick, Maryann and family, I am sorry to read of this significant loss. May good memories carry through these days are final goodbyes. Warmest regards, Paula
L
Lori Dahlman Anderson posted a condolence
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Deepest sympathy to Mr. Ellis's family. My mom taught with him and I was taught by him in Assiniboia. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
M
Marion Gosselin posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Sorry to hear of the passing of Donald - remember him well from Hewson School days. Although we were a little younger my memories are of him looking out for us and being so kind to us guys. Which he obviously carried that same approach through his teaching career and thoughtfulness to seniors in later years. What a pleasure to hear of his remarkable career. All the best to the family. Marion Gosselin (nee McMillan)
N
Nick Langshaw posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Nick Langshaw purchased flowers (The FTD® Pastel Peace™ Basket - Deluxe)
In loving memory of Uncle Don. With deepest sympathy from Helen and David Grimm and family, Australia.
Y
Your loving son Nick lit a candle
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
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Always in my heart!
N
Nick Langshaw lit a candle
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
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Tribute to my dad
<p>
On behalf of our entire family, thank-you for joining us today, to celebrate the life of Donald Ralph Ellis. I know that he is looking down on us with a big smile and I can just imagine him saying how wonderful it is to see so many of the people he cares about so much gathered together in this place.</p>
<p>
Every one of us likely has a very unique story that we could share. Today, I'd like to share mine.</p>
<p>
The first I knew of Don Ellis was being woken up at 3:00 am in the morning by some man asking where my mother was. Now you have to understand that I was lying in bed in Western Australia while Mum was traveling overseas somewhere between London, Scotland and Europe. These were the days before Internet, e-mail and social media. So I honestly had no idea of her exact whereabouts! In my half asleep stupor I think I suggested that he call the YWCA in London. Who knew that this mysterious stranger was about to walk into my life. </p>
<p>
Some months later I was to learn that this enterprising Canadian had managed to find his way into the seat beside my mother on a second coach tour of Europe. Imagine my surprise when I found out that he'd fallen head over heels for my mother and that he'd asked her to marry him on a gondola in Venice. Now I have to tell you that's one very hard act to follow...</p>
<p>
My first impression of Don was that he was a deeply caring and considerate person. After all, who is willing to fly half way around the planet to ask a son whether he can marry his mother? Don did. When he arrived at Perth airport in December 1979, it was a hot summer night. Never having lived in a cooler climate I didn't realize that coming from minus twenty to plus thirty is very hard to acclimatize to. He sure did seem fond of our air conditioner during that visit!</p>
<p>
I have to be honest when I say that it was really hard, at first, to give my blessing. Not because Don wasn't a wonderful man but because he was potentially taking my mother away. That probably sounds strange considering that I was 20 years old at the time. We were very close. However, in the short time that we spent together during that initial visit, it became very clear to me that Don really loved my Mum and she felt the same way about him. I knew in my heart that I couldn't deny them the years of happiness that they both deserved.</p>
<p>
It's not very often that a son gets to attend his parent's wedding. However I was blessed to do so. It was wonderful event held in two places: first in Perth where Mum and I lived followed by a social in Assiniboia where they came to reside. Can you imagine what it must have been like to attend your own wedding in another country? I would have been scared out of my wits. But Don took it all in stride as he always did. Not surprisingly, he made friends at every turn. That's just who he was. People just gravitated to him. </p>
<p>
When we moved to Canada, I had the opportunity to get to know Don quite well. He was a dedicated elementary school teacher, who loved his kids and they loved him. The people in the community thought the world of him. And so did I. It was it this point that I decided that he was worthy to be called Dad and that is the way I've referred to him ever since.</p>
<p>
When Mum and Dad moved out to Vancouver, it was a hard change for me to accept. I always wanted my family to be close but I was happy for them because they were living their dream. Since then, I've been fortunate to visit on many occasions over the years. Some of my fondest memories are of spending time with Dad on his long walks. We covered a lot of ground and I saw a lot more of beautiful British Columbia than I ever would have otherwise. We'd talk for hours about everything and anything. He was a great conversationalist. His love of nature, and the simple things in life, helped to teach me to be grateful for the things that many of us take for granted. He saw the best in everything. </p>
<p>
Now those walks, especially when accompanied by Sparky the poodle, were always a treat. He loved that dog! In fact, he loves dogs even more than I do. I used to smile when he'd introduce me to any one of the local neighborhood dogs when they were taking their masters out for a walk. On occasion I think he remembered the dog's name more quickly than he did that of the owner.</p>
<p>
As my career progressed, I moved into the role of a corporate adult educator. For some reason I just gravitated towards this function. I suspect that had a lot to do with the fact that both Mum and Dad were both teachers. I found the role very satisfying and I now understand the deep satisfaction that Dad must have felt teaching for all the years that he did. </p>
<p>
I'm sure that most of you would be aware that one of Dad's passions was his love of research. That is an area that I also grew to share an interest in - though around different subject areas. Dad's pursuit of all things genealogy was amazing. His eye for detail and the tenacity to dig in the most obscure places for information was admirable. While I've only followed him around in the Regina, Surrey and Vancouver libraries, I know Mum can attest to having traveled the globe in search of elusive traces of family history. </p>
<p>
I've been giving a lot of thought as to what Dad would have liked his legacy to be. It's interesting how we don't often talk about things as important as this. Personally, I see his legacy as being threefold.</p>
<p>
His first legacy is the hundreds of young people he taught, helping them to acquire the knowledge and skills they would need to navigate their way through later life. I know this was effective because of the tributes that have come back today and over the years. Mum recently shared some of the student letters with me. Without doubt, the impact he had on so many lives was uplifting and substantial.</p>
<p>
His second legacy comes from his role as a researcher and genealogist. He was very good at what he did. Not only has he amassed a huge amount of data about our family history which he shared with family, friends and genealogists across the planet. Dad leaves us a wealth of detailed knowledge and information for all of us to draw from.</p>
<p>
Finally, his third legacy is the extensive network of people that he came to know. No matter who dad had contact with, wherever they would be, his genuine sense of caring and personal interest were endearing. As a result, he has touched the lives of more people than I'm ever likely to know. And with each person, he reminded us how we should treat one another. And that's a gift that we all need today - more than ever.</p>
<p>
Dad and I also shared one other passion: the love of bright colours and nice clothing. At the end of each visit to Vancouver he would often say “you can leave that shirt here for me.” We often joked about this but it was uncanny how much our tastes were alike. While I never actually left any shirts behind for him, I always put in extra effort to find just the right shirt or sweater as a gift. With that in mind, I chose a shirt and tie that I know Dad would really appreciate today.</p>
<p>
My final reflection was unknowingly written in the card that I sent to Mum and Dad a few weeks ago to celebrate their 34<sup>th</sup> wedding anniversary. It said how very grateful I am to have been part of your life’s journey for so many years. Dad, I will always carry with me the many fond memories of our time spent together. I am glad that I opened my heart to become part of your family and especially proud to have been your son…</p>
N
Nick Langshaw posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
On behalf of our entire family, thank-you for joining us today, to celebrate the life of Donald Ralph Ellis. I know that he is looking down on us with a big smile and I can just imagine him saying how wonderful it is to see so many of the people he cares about so much gathered together in this place.
Every one of us likely has a very unique story that we could share. Today, I'd like to share mine.
The first I knew of Don Ellis was being woken up at 3:00 am in the morning by some man asking where my mother was. Now you have to understand that I was lying in bed in Western Australia while Mum was traveling overseas somewhere between London, Scotland and Europe. These were the days before Internet, e-mail and social media. So I honestly had no idea of her exact whereabouts! In my half asleep stupor I think I suggested that he call the YWCA in London. Who knew that this mysterious stranger was about to walk into my life.
Some months later I was to learn that this enterprising Canadian had managed to find his way into the seat beside my mother on a second coach tour of Europe. Imagine my surprise when I found out that he'd fallen head over heels for my mother and that he'd asked her to marry him on a gondola in Venice. Now I have to tell you that's one very hard act to follow...
My first impression of Don was that he was a deeply caring and considerate person. After all, who is willing to fly half way around the planet to ask a son whether he can marry his mother? Don did. When he arrived at Perth airport in December 1979, it was a hot summer night. Never having lived in a cooler climate I didn't realize that coming from minus twenty to plus thirty is very hard to acclimatize to. He sure did seem fond of our air conditioner during that visit!
I have to be honest when I say that it was really hard, at first, to give my blessing. Not because Don wasn't a wonderful man but because he was potentially taking my mother away. That probably sounds strange considering that I was 20 years old at the time. We were very close. However, in the short time that we spent together during that initial visit, it became very clear to me that Don really loved my Mum and she felt the same way about him. I knew in my heart that I couldn't deny them the years of happiness that they both deserved.
It's not very often that a son gets to attend his parent's wedding. However I was blessed to do so. It was wonderful event held in two places: first in Perth where Mum and I lived followed by a social in Assiniboia where they came to reside. Can you imagine what it must have been like to attend your own wedding in another country? I would have been scared out of my wits. But Don took it all in stride as he always did. Not surprisingly, he made friends at every turn. That's just who he was. People just gravitated to him.
When we moved to Canada, I had the opportunity to get to know Don quite well. He was a dedicated elementary school teacher, who loved his kids and they loved him. The people in the community thought the world of him. And so did I. It was it this point that I decided that he was worthy to be called Dad and that is the way I've referred to him ever since.
When Mum and Dad moved out to Vancouver, it was a hard change for me to accept. I always wanted my family to be close but I was happy for them because they were living their dream. Since then, I've been fortunate to visit on many occasions over the years. Some of my fondest memories are of spending time with Dad on his long walks. We covered a lot of ground and I saw a lot more of beautiful British Columbia than I ever would have otherwise. We'd talk for hours about everything and anything. He was a great conversationalist. His love of nature, and the simple things in life, helped to teach me to be grateful for the things that many of us take for granted. He saw the best in everything.
Now those walks, especially when accompanied by Sparky the poodle, were always a treat. He loved that dog! In fact, he loves dogs even more than I do. I used to smile when he'd introduce me to any one of the local neighborhood dogs when they were taking their masters out for a walk. On occasion I think he remembered the dog's name more quickly than he did that of the owner.
As my career progressed, I moved into the role of a corporate adult educator. For some reason I just gravitated towards this function. I suspect that had a lot to do with the fact that both Mum and Dad were both teachers. I found the role very satisfying and I now understand the deep satisfaction that Dad must have felt teaching for all the years that he did.
I'm sure that most of you would be aware that one of Dad's passions was his love of research. That is an area that I also grew to share an interest in - though around different subject areas. Dad's pursuit of all things genealogy was amazing. His eye for detail and the tenacity to dig in the most obscure places for information was admirable. While I've only followed him around in the Regina, Surrey and Vancouver libraries, I know Mum can attest to having traveled the globe in search of elusive traces of family history.
I've been giving a lot of thought as to what Dad would have liked his legacy to be. It's interesting how we don't often talk about things as important as this. Personally, I see his legacy as being threefold.
His first legacy is the hundreds of young people he taught, helping them to acquire the knowledge and skills they would need to navigate their way through later life. I know this was effective because of the tributes that have come back today and over the years. Mum recently shared some of the student letters with me. Without doubt, the impact he had on so many lives was uplifting and substantial.
His second legacy comes from his role as a researcher and genealogist. He was very good at what he did. Not only has he amassed a huge amount of data about our family history which he shared with family, friends and genealogists across the planet. Dad leaves us a wealth of detailed knowledge and information for all of us to draw from.
Finally, his third legacy is the extensive network of people that he came to know. No matter who dad had contact with, wherever they would be, his genuine sense of caring and personal interest were endearing. As a result, he has touched the lives of more people than I'm ever likely to know. And with each person, he reminded us how we should treat one another. And that's a gift that we all need today - more than ever.
Dad and I also shared one other passion: the love of bright colours and nice clothing. At the end of each visit to Vancouver he would often say "you can leave that shirt here for me." We often joked about this but it was uncanny how much our tastes were alike. While I never actually left any shirts behind for him, I always put in extra effort to find just the right shirt or sweater as a gift. With that in mind, I chose a shirt and tie that I know Dad would really appreciate today.
My final reflection was unknowingly written in the card that I sent to Mum and Dad a few weeks ago to celebrate their 34th wedding anniversary. It said how very grateful I am to have been part of your life's journey for so many years. Dad, I will always carry with me the many fond memories of our time spent together. I am glad that I opened my heart to become part of your family and especially proud to have been your son…
Assiniboia Chapel
601 Highway 2 N.
Assiniboia, SK
S0H 0B0
F: (306) 642-4175
Gravelbourg Chapel
100 5th Avenue E.
Gravelbourg, SK
S0H 1X0
F: (306) 642-4175
