Obituary of Elmer Sawatzky

1962 – 2013 Elmer Glenn Sawatzky (Fudge) went home to be with the good Lord in the early morning of February 1, 2013. Elmer was born on July 27, 1962 in Saskatoon along with his twin sister Evelyn. Elmer is survived by his precious children Shelyna Sawatzky and Christopher Sawatzky, parents Jacob and Tina Sawatzky, sister Joyce (Marv) Klassen, brother Harv (Jan) Sawatzky, brother Wes (Kate) Sawatzky, brother Les (Colette) Sawatzky, twin sister Evelyn (Darrell) Thoms, brother Conrad (Shannon) Sawatzky, and their families. He was predeceased by his sister Dorothy Sawatzky and sister-in-law Gladys Sawatzky. Fudge had 3 true loves in his life: Shelyna, Chris, and God. Chris and Shelyna also came first in everything he did and no matter what life threw at him his faith only grew. He taught his children and everyone he spoke to that faith will get you through anything. When Fudge wasn’t spending time with his children he spent his time watching the Bruins play or he went to the Hague Arena to watch any minor hockey that was going on, including practices. In summer Fudge found his way to Besnard Lake to fish. Many special memories were made with family and friends at this time. And when Fudge wasn’t’ with the kids or watching hockey or fishing he found comfort in spending time with his special kitty Domino. Elmer was born with Cystic Fibrosis and in 1995 he received the generous gift of a new set of lungs. He is the longest surviving transplant recipient to date. He was thankful everyday for these lungs that allowed him to live his life to the fullest and watch his kids grow up. In 2011 Elmer was diagnosed with cancer. He underwent radiation treatments in 2012 and fought it with everything he had. Elmer never shied away from hard work. He worked many years in construction and at the farm. He also spent countless hours working at the rink, at Sunset Manor and the Rental homes in Hague, and the Rosthern Hospital. Fudge will be remembered in the community for his countless hours of volunteering, his ability to lighten any room with his smile and contagious laughter, and his positive attitude no matter what the circumstance. His last message was to never give up. The best Christmas ever (according to Fudge) happened this past December when everyone in the family was present at The Zone for our family Christmas gathering. A time all of us will hang on to and cherish forever. The family would like to thank all of the staff at the Rosthern Hospital for the amazing care and friendship provided each and every hour of every day to Elmer throughout the past month. You were Elmer’s family away from home. You will be dearly missed Fudge, you are one of a kind. Thank you for touching each of our hearts. We know that you are now with the good Lord, free of pain, and rejoicing with the angels. We love you. A Celebration of Elmer’s Life will be held at the Neuanlage Grace Mennonite Church on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 2:00 pm. Arrangements are in care of Funk’s Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK.