Elmer Swan Norlund, 83, of Emo, Ont., passed away Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2003 at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital in Thunder Bay Ont. He was born May 15, 1920 in Gameland, Ont. to the late Swan and Agnes Norlund.
On June 20, 1944, he married Teresa Armstrong—the love of his life.
A life-long resident of the district, he made his home in Emo. He successfully founded, owned, and operated Norlund Oil, an independent oil company, until his retirement in 1988. He also played the chromatic accordion with his band, the Norlund Funtimers.
The son of Swedish immigrants, Elmer had a keen interest in his heritage and was proud of his fluency in Swedish. He made a number of trips to Sweden to maintain contact with relatives.
In 1973, he built and maintained the Norlund Chapel as an act of love. Elmer wanted to provide a peaceful setting where people of all faiths could find comfort. A sensitive man, he was always deeply touched by the people who visited.
A keen outdoorsman, Elmer planted hundreds of trees, built a cabin on Clearwater Lake, and welcomed the deer and birds on his property. He enjoyed restoring old cars, making skis, and always kept himself busy.
Elmer is survived by his daughters, Mary (Syd) Curtis of Emo, Ont., and Joanne (John) Carroll of Thunder Bay, Ont.; and son, Harold (Susan) of Sequim, Wash. He also leaves 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Also surviving are his sisters, Elsa Hanson of Rainy River, Ont., and Emma (Albert) Hanson of Steinbach, Man.; brother, Verner (Dorothy) Norlund of Rainy River, Ont.; and numerous relatives in Canada, the U.S., and Sweden.
Elmer was predeceased by his beloved wife, Teresa (2000); daughters, Joan (1957) and Maureen (1993); brother, Carl Norlund (1988); and sister, Mary Fugate (2000).
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2003 at 2 p.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Frances, Ont., with Rev. Tom Aiken officiating. He was laid to rest at the Emo Cemetery next to his wife, Teresa.
Friends visited Monday, Aug. 18, 2003 at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances.
Pallbearers were Dan Curtis, Garry Curtis, Ward Williams, Bill Johnson, Mike Armstrong, and Jerry Whalen.
Honourary pallbearers were Richard Schulzki, Randy Both, Lorne Tilson, Jerry Fugate, Dennis Armstrong, and Bill McCready.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Emo Hospital, 260 Front St., Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
A Swedish prayer he often recited is about being little before God, and about God’s blessings for him. He was a man who loved life and lived it to the fullest.
Gud som haver barnen kär
Se till mig som liten är
Vart jag mig i världen vänder
Stär min lycka i Guds händer
Lyckan kommer, lyckan gär
Den Gud älskar lyckan fär
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