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DR. ELMER HENRY STOBBE Obituary pic

DR. ELMER HENRY STOBBE

Born: Jan 26, 1936

Date of Passing: Jan 01, 2019

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DR. ELMER HENRY STOBBE January 26, 1936 - January 1, 2019 Elmer graduated from this life to Glory, suddenly at Abbotsford Hospital, from a massive heart attack. Surviving are his wife Wilma, of 56 years; children, Sandra Benoit (William), Ottawa; Colin Patrick (Lenora), Joseph (seven) and Alexander (three), Winnipeg; and siblings, Les (Rita), North Carolina; Wilma Friesen, Steinbach; and Ruth Smith Stobbe, Vancouver. He is predeceased by son Russell (aged eight), parents and siblings, Lillian and Vernon. Elmer was born in Abbotsford, attended South Poplar School and Mennonite Educational Institute. He graduated from UBC and Oregon State University. He was an Agronomist at University of Manitoba for 27 years, including two and a half years in Kenya and a sabbatical at UBC. After retirement, Elmer returned to BC. He worked with Canadian Executive Services Overseas (CESO) and was on the board of Logos Canada (six years). For the past eight years, he was committed to Basotho Building Lesotho (Africa). At his request, cremation has occurred. A memorial service will be held January 26, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at South Abbotsford Church, 32424 Huntington Road, Abbotsford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Basotho Building Lesotho, 2825 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford, BC V2T 6S3 or Logos Canada (Russia), P.O. Box 2249, Station A, Abbotsford, BC V2T 4X2.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 12, 2019

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

  • Elmer was my M.Sc. advisor from 1987-1989 and had a profound positive impact on me. I fondly recall the many conversations we had, often about matters unrelated to agricultural research. What struck me was that he really wanted to get to the bottom of things (although the same couldn't be said of his desk), and that trait made these conversations so valuable. Elmer took an interest in people and did what he could to help them and to improve their lives. Wilma, Sandra, and Colin, I am so saddened by your, and our, loss. - Posted by: Tom Wolf (Student) on: Feb 18, 2019

  • I am so sorry to hear of Elmer's passing. He was my MSc advisor at the University of Manitoba from 1974-76. He was always full of ideas, enough to keep a very large crew of graduate students and research associates busy. He encouraged me to continue my studies in the US. Within a few short years, I was back in the department as his colleague. His humour and contributions to agriculture will be long remembered. - Posted by: Merv Pritchard (Student and colleague) on: Feb 04, 2019

  • I was a M.Sc. student at the University of Manitoba with Dr. Stobbe from 1977-1979. He was a great mentor and friend and was instrumental in getting me started in my 35-year career as an agricultural research scientist. I am just one of many students that benefitted from his encouragement and knowledge. Dr. Bob Blackshaw - Posted by: Bob Blackshaw (Former student) on: Jan 27, 2019

  • Wilma and family please accept my sincere condolences. Dr. Stobbe was an important mentor in the lives of his many students.Elmer had a profound influence on my live and for that I thank him again. He also was a leader in bring practical improvement in Western Canadian agriculture . We called him the grand father of zero till. Adoption of zero till across western Canada has made a huge difference in the lives of many farmers and has helped build soil health, on which everybody depends. I thank the Lord for the life of Elmer. Rest in peace good friend. - Posted by: David Rourke (Student, research associate, friend) on: Jan 19, 2019

  • We were so sorry to hear of Elmer's sudden passing. Just last week I messaged him and was wondering why he hadn't replied. Wilma, please know that we are thinking of you and praying for you and your family. I have many good memories of Elmer. Elmer and I had sort of a special relationship, as I was his first non-foreign grad student, starting my projects under him. We know Elmer is with his Lord, but we also know his leaving will hurt deeply. God keep you in His care. - Posted by: Lorn Bergstresser (Student) on: Jan 15, 2019

  • We send our deepest condolences. - Posted by: Bill & Barb Toews (Friends from the Kenya project) on: Jan 14, 2019

  • I've known Elmer for pretty much as long as I can remember. I have lots of memories of him. For example, his talking to me for quite a while about the differences between zero tillage, stubble burning, and other field management for a school project. He was so generous with his time. When Colin and I were kids Elmer kept pushing us to go outside, to build things, to experiment, rather than watch TV or play games (but he didn't stop us from doing those things). It clearly wore off on Colin. One of the last times I saw Elmer before the weekend of Colin and Lenora's wedding, he and Colin were completely redoing the basement floor of Colin's house! I also remember having sometimes short, but always interesting, conversations with Elmer about religion and faith while Colin and I were in High School. Elmer was a good man. He is loved. - Posted by: James Muir (Colin's friend since childhood) on: Jan 13, 2019

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