SHORTT, Elmer Elijah

Elmer entered the world during a snowstorm so wild the doctor couldn’t reach the farmhouse—an early sign that this boy would grow into a man who handled life’s storms on his own terms. Born to Jean Hale and Elijah Shortt, Elmer learned responsibility far too young. At just thirteen, when lightning disabled his father, he stepped up to run the family farm without hesitation or complaint. Adversity never broke him; it simply revealed the steady calm at his core. He became a remarkably successful dairy farmer, yet “farmer” scarcely captures the breadth of his gifts. A natural-born problem-solver fueled by endless curiosity, Elmer mastered carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, mechanics—whatever the day demanded, he figured it out. Above all, Elmer loved his family with quiet, unwavering devotion. Together with his beloved wife Ioan, he raised five children, instilling in them kindness, honesty, and the simple grace of making space for others—especially for his own kids, who always knew they came first. A lifelong member of the United Church—first in the Monticello farming community and later in Fergus—Elmer found deep joy in music. He sang in the choir with heartfelt enthusiasm, played guitar and violin, and delighted the neighborhood by calling square dances. On lazy Sunday afternoons, his young children would gather in the old farmhouse, curling up with Kleenex in hand, to listen as he strummed and sang those achingly beautiful, tragic country ballads—songs so sorrowful they somehow wrapped them in safety and love. Elmer’s spirit was relentlessly positive. He laughed easily, loved a good joke, and thrived in the company of others. His sharp mind shone brightly at the card table; he was an unstoppable bid euchre player whose opponents learned quickly to respect his skill. If there’s a heavenly card game waiting, here’s hoping the angels get a short grace period before he starts running the table. Predeceased by his cherished wife Ioan and his sister Mary, Elmer is survived by his five children: Kathy (Ted Oldfield), Keith (Cris), Kevin (Jack Bond), Karen MacDougall (Colin), and Kelly (Kevin Brown); his thirteen grandchildren: Geoffrey, Alyssa, Lucas, Matthew, Ryan, Alexandra, Branna, Brogan, Bronis, Padraig, Madison, Cedar, and Levi; and his six great-grandchildren: Louisa, Huron, Leeroy, Cecilia, Ellie, and Jasper. Elmer lived a long, rich life defined by hard work, soulful music, fierce family loyalty, and abundant laughter. He was a truly great man who knew how to build a good life—and, more importantly, how to share it generously with everyone around him. We will miss you deeply, Dad. Your steady heart, your ready smile, and the music you brought into our world will echo in us forever. Friends and family will be received on Sunday, February 8, 2026 from 1:00pm to 2:45pm at Melville United Church, 300 St. Andrew Street West Fergus, ON N1M 2W7. A funeral service will be held at 3:00pm with a reception to follow. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations made to Monticello United Church would be appreciated by Elmer’s family. Arrangements were entrusted to Graham A Giddy Funeral Home Ltd., 280 St. David St. S. Fergus, ON N1M 2L5, (519) 843-3100. Visit www.grahamgiddyfh.com for Elmer’s online memorial.