Elmer Malec
A devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, respected teacher, dedicated coach, talented musician, and faithful volunteer, Elmer lived a life rooted in service, generosity, and love. His kindness, gentle humour, and unwavering commitment to others touched generations of students, athletes, friends, neighbours, and family.
Born in Tarnopol, Elmer carried fond memories of his childhood throughout his life and often spoke warmly of the community and experiences that shaped him. He was predeceased by his parents, Stephen and Ksenka; his parents-in-law, James and Sally; his beloved grandsons, Adam and Thomas; his siblings, Frank, Paul, Baldwin, and Emily; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters in-laws, and dear friends.
Before beginning his career in education, Elmer proudly served in the Royal Canadian Air Force. His military service reflected the spirit of dedication and service that would come to define his life.
Teaching was more than a profession to Elmer – it was his calling. He dedicated his life to education, spending many years as a teacher and mentor. He often reflected on his teaching career with great pride and possessed a remarkable ability to remember the names and stories of former students long after they had left his classroom. To this day, many former students still remember “Mr. Malec” and the positive impact he had on their lives.
A lifelong lover of baseball, Elmer began playing at a young age and later became a coach when his son started playing. What began as helping one team evolved into more than 30 years of coaching and leadership, including serving as president of Softball Saskatchewan. His commitment to youth sports helped shape opportunities for countless young athletes. Throughout his career in education, he also championed the growth of school sports programs, helping introduce and expand baseball and hockey opportunities for students. His dedication to sport and community was recognized through honours including Nation Builder, Man of the Year, and Sportsman of the Year.
Following retirement, Elmer continued to devote his time to the people and causes he cared about. He remained actively involved in sports organizations, volunteered faithfully within his church community, proudly served as president of his cultural club, and celebrated his Ukrainian heritage by volunteering at community and cultural events.
In 1962, Elmer married the love of his life, Margaret. Together they built a life grounded in faith, family, friendship, and a shared love of music. Their love story began when Margaret fell for a talented young musician who spent summers performing at many of her family’s weddings. Music remained a constant thread throughout their marriage. Together they performed in a band during their early years, sang in their church choir, recorded a few CDs, and continued to share the gift of music throughout their lives. Even in his later years, Elmer’s love of music never faded. He could often be found singing to his “grand-dog,” bringing a smile to everyone around him.
Elmer was immensely proud of his children, Michael, Pamela, and Andrea, and loved each of them deeply. He cherished his grandchildren, Chad (Rotha) and Lauren (Brendan), while holding close the cherished memory of his beloved grandson, Adam. His great-grandchildren, Cali, Elah, Avah, and Samuel brought him great joy and were held close in his heart.
Those who knew Elmer will remember his generosity, unwavering work ethic, deep faith, and wonderful sense of humour. He never met a joke he didn’t like and could always be counted on to bring laughter to those around him. More than anything, he will be remembered for the way he invested in people. Whether as a teacher, coach, volunteer, musician, husband, father, grandfather, or friend, Elmer had a remarkable gift for making others feel welcome.
Elmer passed peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family and comforted by the familiar melodies of his favourite old-time music – a fitting farewell for a man whose life was filled with love, laughter, and song.
A private family service will be held to celebrate Elmer’s life.
Though the music has quieted, the kindness he shared, the lives he touched, and the example he set will continue to live on in all who knew and loved him.
Our most sincere sympathy to Margaret and family!
Reading about Elmer, I remember how he tried to teach me to play ball. Honestly that didn’t go well and to this day I cannot play ball.
He was dedicated to his family, his teaching profession, his community, his faith and many volunteer passions.
His truly was “a life well lived.”
From our family to yours – Peace to you all!
Olga Karasiuk and Lyle Karasiuk
Sad to hear of Elmer’s passing. He taught our son at MacDowall school for several years. He was a great teacher and went above and beyond his normal duties. Condolences to his family. I am sure you will miss him very much.
our sincere condolences to all the Malec family. All of our kids had him at Osborne school and we all appreciated him for his ability to be a friend as well as excellent teacher especially in math. He set-up all his students to go on and excel in anything related to math in their future education. We also admired his musical talents as we danced at many a function. He was a special person and will always be remembered fondly by all who knew him. He had a life well lived.
It was an absolute privilege to be one of Elmer’s caregivers during the last few months of his life. Even though our time together wasn’t long, he left a lasting impact on me. Every single conversation and meeting we shared had a way of lifting my mood, even during some of my own challenging times. His warmth, genuine interest in others, and kind spirit were truly special. I am so deeply grateful to have known him. Sending my heartfelt condolences and love to Andrea and the entire family.
We are so sorry to hear of Elmer’s passing. So many fond memories. Kerry’s favourite teacher and coach. I remember him as our ball team coached by my dad Wilbur Parenteau played against Elmer’s boys (first time I met Kerry he was shall I say a little vociferous bat catcher). We came to reunite when Marge and myself worked at Sears. Kerry had such respect for Elmer that he asked him to Emcee our wedding 40 years ago. He was funny and sincere. Definitely a man whose life had such an impact on everyone he met. Our deepest condolences to Marge, Micheal, Pamela and Andrea and families.
Kerry and Sharon Kaponyas
Sorry for the loss , prayers to the family He was my grade 7 teacher and my fastball coach throughout all my years playing ball and my hockey coach, but most of all he instilled my love for music I remember singing in his class I still remember some of the songs. Rest easy
My deepest sympathies to the family Elmer “Mr Malec” will always be remembered. For those that were a little closer I guess I won’t be able to shoot a puck at his ankle, those Osborne nets were a little shabby, then we would skate laps. The one thing the Mr Malec expected was high performance both in the classroom and in sports. I thank you Coach for taking us to a National Championship, you will be missed and remembered.
Condolences to the Malec family. Many memories of card games at the lake, craft shows around Prince Albert, and a long lasting friendship with our Mom and Dad. Thinking of you!
The Andy and Oksana Lysitza Family
Dear Marge and family,
We extend our prayers and deepest condolences on Elmer’s passing. We missed him and his beautiful voice in our church choir when he and Marge moved away. God bless you all at this difficult time while you mourn for him. May his memory be eternal.
We are very sorry for your loss, Elmer was my fastball coach when I first played fastball. He was a great coach and an even better man. Thank you Elmer for all you thought us! Condolences to your family and friends, you will be missed by all.
Mr. Malec was one of my very favourite teachers, and one of the reasons I became one myself. He taught us grade 7, and was good at teaching every subject, but I remember Math being especially well explained. He had each one of us create our own “Math Bible”, a notebook with a carefully curated list of important formulas and how-to’s. As we solved problems, If anyone in our class had a name that was in a song he knew, he would sing a few lines of it as a way of calling on us to answer. He gave honest appreciation to us when we got a correct answer, and he made each of us feel like we were in his spotlight. He offered after school math lessons that he cleverly nicknamed “Aftermath”. One lesson I remember well was when we abandoned algebra one morning so we could calculate the cost of smoking for one year; which he said was the price of taking a family trip to Disneyland. He wanted to teach us not to start smoking. It was a lesson that I never forgot. He also had season tickets to the Raiders, and gave away two tickets as a prize so one of his students could go to a game. It was the only game I ever went to with my dad, and I even came home with a lucky puck that was shot into the audience.
He was smart, kind, generous and funny, and we all adored him. My most sincere condolences to his family. He is remembered very fondly.
We both had Mr Malec for OUR Grade 7 . Ken remembers whistling chalk!
I remember his patience learning Algebra and playing baseball.
coaching the hockey game and kneeling many hours to paint lines on the outdoor rink.
Only he and uncle could tease about K k k Katie and teach a song like Sitting alone in an old rocking chair to a bunch of Teens!
Remembrance and respect and so much more.
Many memories. Condolences and prayers
Our sincere condolences to all the family. Marge, Michael, Pamela and Andrea, you are in our minds as we remember how your Dad made a difference in our lives. Through babysitting, playing music alongside of him and joke telling, both Boyd and I were saddened to hear of his passing. Stay strong
We are sending our love and praying for many blessings to come to you.
Boyd and Pat
We’re so sorry for your loss! Mr. Malec taught myself and 7 siblings at Osbourne School!! He was very well liked!!
He was so awesome, gave us a good start to transition to junior high!
It was very nice to visit with him in the community throughout the years as he remembered his students and their families❤️
RIP Mr Malec 💔🙏
The Chretien Family
We are very sorry to hear of Elmer’s Passing; and your great loss. Condolences to Marge and the entire Family. May Elmer Rest In Peace. Ron & Laurie, and The John Andrusek Family.
I will always cherish the many memories! 💔
Oh! I’m so sorry to hear of Elmer’s passing!!!….. he has gone on to join Paul and Baldwin….. I didn’t see that much of him but I just always thought he would be there!!! My fondest memory was when he was interning at Churchill School where I was attending. I felt so important being related to him as he was well liked!!
Much sympathy to the family!!
Deepest sympathy goes out to the family.