Leroy Elmer Emerson

Our beloved husband, father, and grandpa, Leroy Emerson passed away at the age 85 years after a long battle with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).

Leroy is survived by his loving wife Elaine; daughter Shannon; son Scott (Elaine) and grandchildren Matthew, and Holly; sisters Velma (Lawrence), and Brenda; and brother Bob (Dulce Maria); extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews; and many cherished friends, neighbors and colleagues. He was predeceased by his parents, Lillian and Elmer Emerson, and sister Myrna Lowrey.

Leroy lived a full and rewarding life, he was a farm boy at heart growing up on the family farm in the East Longview area in Southern Alberta, where his lifelong dedication to agriculture started. He attended a rural country school and then attended High School in High River. Growing up he enjoyed many activities including Church, 4H Club, Boy Scouts and Air Cadets, along with tending to the many chores on the farm. Moving to Calgary in 1958, Leroy attended Henderson Secretarial School where he met Elaine, and they were married in Nanton in 1961.

Leroy had a lengthy career in the Agriculture and Fair Industry, which started in 1959 at the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede, as an Assistant Livestock Superintendent. In 1964, he accepted the position of Livestock Supervisor with The Edmonton Exhibition Association (Edmonton Northlands) and made the move to Edmonton.

Over his 31 year career at Northlands, he received many awards and accolades, always humble and shying away from the limelight. He was awarded, Fair Man of the Year in 1979, from the CAE, Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions, for outstanding service to the Edmonton Exhibition and Community. Following his retirement in 1995, Leroy continued to work part-time and volunteer in different areas at Northlands, maintaining his connection with the organization and many friends and colleagues.

He gave of himself to the community in many ways, as an active board member of the United Church, lifelong Blood Donor, Cub/Scout leader, and was always willing to lend a hand to friends, neighbors and the church community.

His favorite past times included reading, jigsaw puzzles, yardwork, camping and fishing. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching hockey, football, golf and curling on television. He will be remembered for his sense of humor as he always kept us laughing.

Leroy and Elaine returned to their Southern Alberta roots moving back to Calgary in April 2022, to join their family, friends and relatives. Leroy enjoyed the Shalem Community and activities that became their new home and made some wonderful friends and memories in the time he resided there.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Saturday, February 15, 2025

2:00 pm

Emmanuel Christian Reformed Church, located at 3020 -51 Street SW, Calgary

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person, are invited to join Leroy’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. https://youtube.com/live/7fI1OPtRv8c?feature=share

Donations can be made to Shalem Society for Senior Citizens Care, through their website at https://shalem.ca/donate