Obituary of Geoffrey “Lloyd” Elmer

Geoffrey “Lloyd” Elmer

June 3, 1930-Aug 23, 2021

Passed away peacefully at home in Leaside surrounded by his loved ones at the age of 91.  Beloved husband for 64 years to Rosemary (nee Wood), father to Geoff (predeceased, survived by Helen (Tom)), Steve (Janet), Mike (Robin), and grandfather to Kevin (Jessica), Sean (Jessica), Sarah (Shawn), Stacie (Slater), Matt (Megan), Rob, Hannah and her mother Susan. Great-grandfather to Eleanor, Theodore, Ramona and Harlow.

Lloyd was born in New Toronto as a first generation Canadian to English parents Geoffrey and Doris (nee Barrett).  Lloyd spent most of his youth growing up in Sarnia, Ontario and formed life-long friendships through his involvement in scouting and sports – he played basketball, soccer, baseball, track and field, tennis, badminton and hockey. He financed his university education by working in the Sarnia oil refineries, cleaning out oil drums. He attended University College at the University of Toronto and graduated with an economics degree in 1953. He was an active member of Hart House, and continued to play university basketball, soccer and tennis regularly, and this continued throughout his life.  It was during a tennis club picnic event that he first met Rosemary, and they were married in 1957 at the University of Toronto – a tradition continued by two of his sons.

Lloyd and Rosemary bought a house in a then considered outskirt of Toronto – Leaside. During this period they started their family, starting with Geoff, followed by Steve and Mike. Rosemary and Lloyd became active members of the Leaside tennis club and badminton club.  Lloyd started the Leaside junior badminton and soccer programs and ran them for many years as his sons were growing. Lloyd worked for MacMillan Canada as a sales representative for university and college level textbooks, and subsequently worked for the Philadelphia based Lea and Febiger, one of the oldest medical publishing houses in the US, as the sole Canadian representative. The family has many fond memories of vacations during this period – across Canada and in the US – usually camping!

After retirement, Lloyd remained actively involved in his children and grandchildren’s lives, attending sports events (especially hockey and lacrosse), and hosting family celebrations and get togethers in their home. He enjoyed watching all of them grow and begin families of their own, and was thrilled to meet his great-grandchildren.

A heartfelt thank you to the Sunnybrook family practice team (headed by Dr. Shuman), the Local Health Integrated Network palliative care team, and especially the team of nurses and PSWs from Spectrum Services that made it possible to keep Lloyd at home and comfortable during his last days.

Due to current COVID restrictions, the family is having a private service. Donations to the Sunnybrook Foundation or to the charity of your choice in his name would be greatly appreciated. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.

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