ELMER JOHN CUTTS

Condolences & Memories (24 entries)

• Dear Dad. How has it been over a year since my last message - even though I think about you every day, and especially with Father's Day just recently, and May 17 as well, which was 8 years since you moved on to your next journey? Time seems to fly even more quickly these days. You'd think that since I am retired now and should have lots of "free" time, that the days would go by more slowly, but not so. I remember Grandma Morrison telling me (27 years ago to be exact, because it was when we were expecting the boys and just moving to The Pas in June 1995) that time goes by more quickly as we get older. It didn't make sense to me at the time, but she was sure right! Thankfully part of the reason is that the world is back to somewhat normal after 2 years of Covid wreaking havoc on life and activities, and sadly so many people lost family members due to Covid and related factors during that time. We have been so fortunate through this time, still able to visit with Connor and Ally and Mitchell and Lindsay for the most part (although not always, some visits had to be via technology). Thank God for that technology - so many people were at least able to "FaceTime" or connect in some other way where they could at least see each other on the screens and visit that way. We were happy to have Mitchell and Lindsay home for Father's Day, and Cliff and Bernice were also at the lake, so that was nice. For Mother's Day this year we were all at Dawne and Gerry's, including Tim and Tara and the girls, so that was awesome. It had been a long time since the whole crew was together. Well, except Rae-Lyn and Kellen and their "littles" since they live in Cochrane, but they're in Winnipeg now and will be coming to The Pas/Clearwater this week for their annual visit, so we're looking forward to that. Now we just have to find a date for Tim and Tara's visit in August or September. I went to Chelsea's bridal shower a couple of weeks ago - Cathy and Alison were hosting. It was so much fun, and so good to see all of them (Caroline and Aunt Sue were there too of course!). We have been invited to 6 weddings this year, so lots of fun ahead. We hope to be able to visit again with Aunt Sue and Uncle Al one of these days, but it seems that whenever we're in Winnipeg there is not enough time for everything. Maybe we can convince them to visit The Pas/Clearwater sometime this summer if we can actually find a time that works! The world continues to be an interesting place, changing all the time. I sometimes wonder what you and Mom would think about some of the things going on - you were always interested! We continue to miss both of you and send love and hugs. We know you are taking care of each other. Love and God Bless, Monica - Posted by: Monica Cook (Daughter) on: Jun 27, 2022

• Hi Dad. It’s been seven years today that you had to leave us, and of course we still miss you even though we know you’re safe and happy with Mom. It continues to be a bit of a wild time in the world with the pandemic of COVID-19, but hopefully things will settle down soon as the vaccine is used around the world. I understand that not everyone will want to get the vaccine, but I hope for their sake they don’t get COVID-19 because of that, as hopefully everything will open up to whatever the new normal will be soon, and that of course doesn’t mean that the virus has disappeared, just that those who have opted for the vaccine will be safer. We were really hoping to go camping with Dawne and Joel and a group of friends this coming long weekend, but now we’re not even allowed to visit at campsites, and it also looks like the weather won’t be that great anyway. The boys and their girlfriends are planning to come home for the weekend, so that will be great, as this is our anniversary and we don’t often see them on our anniversary. They are all doing well, we are proud of each of them for their academic and their job successes. So many people around the world have been negatively impacted by Covid, including not being able to work, or losing their jobs, so we have all been very blessed through this time. When I retired last August, I sure didn’t think that the world would still be in this situation, but I am also very fortunate that I can do consulting work in human resources safely from home. I was happy to be able to travel into one of the First Nations communities last week, as they invited me to present the work I was doing on their policy manual. On the way to that meeting, Kent and I stopped in Arborg as I wanted to see if our house was still there, and I found it without much trouble, and it looks like it is the RCMP office now, or maybe it is still a house on one side and RCMP on the other. It was really neat to see it, and I don’t even remember it being right across from a river! Dawne asked me if I had found the other house we lived in there, and I didn’t recall that we lived in another house there. I guess since I was only two or three years old, I don’t have all the full memories of those years. Joel didn’t recall the RCMP house - which makes sense since he was just a baby. Kent and I spent a few days in Winnipeg before that, so that was nice too, as that was before the further restrictions came into place about gatherings and not really being able to see anyone at all in restaurants or on patios or in your private residence. I often wonder what you and Mom would think about what’s going on in the world. It’s been very interesting to say the least. I hope that soon we can visit with other family and friends, and see Uncle Al and Aunt Sue again. It’s been along time since we’ve been able to visit with them, and of course they have not traveled anywhere over the past year and a half, although maybe when the weather gets nicer they will be able to get out camping again. Fortunately on Aunt Sue’s birthday this year, there was still an allowance to have 10 people physically distanced at your private property, so they were able to sit out in the backyard and celebrate her birthday. We’ll see what happens with Uncle Al’s birthday coming up. It seems that anyone who wants a vaccine in Manitoba will be able to have their first no later than June 8, so it might be shortly after that when things open up a little more. It will be wonderful to have a summer where people can travel back-and-forth between provinces safely, and we really hope that Rae-Lyn and Kellen and the kids will be able to come for their planned visit. Tara and Tim and the girls will be coming at the end of August, and of course they are within the province of Manitoba, so hopefully that is certainly not a concern by then. I love that the girls and their families enjoy coming here and spending time, we are lucky to have that relationship with them. Our niece Katie-Mae is actually moving here from Swan River next week, and is going to be working in human resources at UCN, so we are really thrilled about that as well. We see our nephew Cassidy once in awhile, but he and his wife Michayla are busy working and raising their little one, Mila, so they don’t get to the lake too often. Well, it’s time for me to go and get a few things done before my appointment this afternoon, so I will say goodbye for now. Hugs to you and Mom. Love and God Bless, Monica - Posted by: Monica Cook (Daughter ) on: May 17, 2021

• Happy Birthday, Dad! Hope you had a nice 89th birthday - with cake! I’m sure you and Mom celebrated together. You will know the sad news that Auntie Velma passed away last week - we were so sorry to hear. She had a tough last couple of years - I think you and all the family and friends who have gone before would have greeted her when she arrived. Hugs to all of you. I’ll write more next week. We have a crew of family and friends and our new grand-dog coming for the long weekend, so I’m sure there will be stories to share! Love and miss you, Monica - Posted by: Monica (Daughter ) on: Jul 27, 2020

• Dear Dad. Happy Father’s Day! We miss you and love you, especially on this day when we are celebrating all of the fathers in the family who have gone on before us, and the fathers who are still here. We were very happy that Cliff and Bernice came to the lake yesterday and will stay for a few days, and we had a beautiful visit with them for Father’s Day dinner with Kent and me, Connor and Mitchell. It is rare these days that both of the boys are home at the same time, so this was a real treat for us. They will both be here for the week, working and then going on a fishing trip with their buddies into Hemming Lake. I hope they have some nice weather, it has rained here for pretty much the past week, but they are not leaving until Thursday, so hopefully it will be nice weather by then. It is great that they are spending time together and with their friends. We miss having you physically present in our lives but we know that you are still with us. Cliff was reading Ray Fetterley’s book The Mighty Men of the North and saw the story of when you were in the canoe overnight, trapped in the ice - what a history and adventures to had in the early days and all your days with the RCMP. We were always so proud of your service. Thank you for being a wonderful father - hugs to you on this special day! 💛 - Posted by: Monica Cutts Cook (Daughter) on: Jun 22, 2020

• Hi Dad. It’s been a while since I’ve written, but I think of you so often. Please give Mom a hug from us for Mother’s Day. We miss both of you, but it is comforting to know that you are together. It’s been a very strange number of weeks around the world with the COVID virus, a scary time, but we have been very fortunate in northern Manitoba that there are very few cases and people are taking it seriously - being careful about social distancing and the other rules for staying safe and keeping others safe. Things are loosening up a little bit, and hopefully that does not mean a lot of new cases before a way of managing this new virus is found. It was Dawne and Gerry's 30th wedding anniversary last Tuesday, so we arranged a drive-by parade for them, and I think they really appreciated it. Just seeing other friends and family is a bonus, as everyone has been pretty much isolated for the past 7 weeks or so. I wonder what you and mom would think about this new world and the way this has literally taken everything over in a matter of weeks. The economy of course is taking a beating, but it is so important to keep people as safe as possible. It can’t go on forever though, so we will see how the next few weeks go. We were happy to see Mitchell and Lindsay a couple of times this weekend, as we have all been pretty much seeing the same people for weeks, and so should not be at risk with seeing one another. We hope to be able to see Connor and Ally in a couple of weeks as well. Curtis and Colleen are also at the lake, so they came to the house for a short visit as well. It was nice to chat with them. Cliff is supposed to have his surgery at the end of the month - we are all hoping that will go well and hopefully he will feel better once they get everything sorted out. That’s about it for now, take care of each other That’s about it for now, take care of each other. Love you, Monica - Posted by: Monica (Daughter ) on: May 10, 2020

• Hi Dad. The time is going by quickly again, and it’s been just over six months since Mom left this earth and joined you after her passing. I think of you all the time, and even more often this past week during my birthday and your wedding anniversary. Kent and I are fortunate enough to be on a little trip. We were in Mexico for about a week, and now in Vancouver for a few days. It’s nice to get away, but it’s always nice to get back home too. Dawne and Gerry and Joel and Tracey were in Mexico too, but in a different location. Next year hopefully we will plan a bit better and maybe can spend some of our vacation time all together. We had not done that since the three of us went to Yuma to celebrate your 50th anniversary with you and mom. That was a fun trip. Since then, we haven’t wanted to be away at the same time, to be sure that there was always somebody there for mom. Now that she’s safe with you, we will plan to spend some trips together. We are planning to go to Churchill this summer, And will certainly think of you and mom while we are there. You because of the time you spent in your early RCMP career in the north, and mom because at one point she mentioned she would like to visit there - it just didn’t happen and so we want to take this trip in memory. I had better get things booked though, or it won’t happen again this year! We are just getting ready to go explore more in Vancouver, so will talk to you again another time. Love, Monica - Posted by: Monica (Daughter ) on: Mar 08, 2020

• Merry Christmas Dad! Wish we could see you today, but we know you’re celebrating this beautiful day with Mom. We had our traditional Christmas supper early, on December 21, because Connor and Mitchell are home, and they were with their girlfriends families tonight, which worked out just fine. The Cook family was here last weekend, so it was nice to have most of them here for Christmas dinner on that day. Cassidy and Michayla are expecting their first baby mid January, they aren’t travelling right now, but everyone else was here. It’s always hard to believe that another year is coming to a close, but January will be exciting for Mitchell as he starts his work co-op at CRA. Imagine, Dawne worked there for more than 35 years and just retired, and now Mitchell is just starting out with a job in IT for CRA. It will be interesting if it turns into a full-time job after he graduates. Connor still hopes to get on with Great West Life, but is applying for financial jobs at various companies Dale. Sure hope he is able to find a job that he wants in the finance field, but if that doesn’t happen soon he will go back to insurance and take more courses to keep current in the Finance field and keep trying. We are sure proud of both of them for how hard they have worked for their high marks, and happy with their work ethic. We learned a lot from how you and Mom raised us, and hope we’ve done a good job with the boys. It’s interesting to get to know them as adults! We are always so happy when they can make it home, and we are also happy to see their girlfriends too! We hope that 2020 will be an awesome year for them. We miss you all the time, but happy to know you are at rest - you and Mom worked so hard while you were here. Love you, Monica - Posted by: Monica Cook (Daughter ) on: Dec 26, 2019

• Hello again, Dad. It's been awhile since I've sent a message. You will know that Mom passed away yesterday, and we are so very sad to lose her. We promised you that we would take good care of her after you passed away, and we did the best we could. I was so blessed to be able to spend this past two weeks with Mom. We were so very fortunate to have Mom in our lives for this long, and enjoyed spending as much time with her as possible. Mom experienced some challenges this past year or so, and the past few days were a struggle, but she fought so hard and rallied so many times to stay here with us as long as she could. We miss you and will miss Mom so much as well - it helps to know that she is safe in your arms again. We love you both. See you later. Love and God Bless, Monica, Kent, Connor, Mitchell - Posted by: Monica Cook (Daughter) on: Sep 06, 2019

• Dear Dad. It was 5 years yesterday since you left this Earth - it is always surprising how quickly time goes by, and we think of you all the time. I am happy to be able to still see Mom as often as possible, but wish that we lived closer to her. She has been living at Vista Park Lodge in Winnipeg since last August. She has had some struggles the past few months and we are sad that she now has to use a tiltchair as she is no longer able to walk and be steady. We know it is better than having the risk of falling, as she had a couple of falls earlier this year and that was frightening. We sure don't want her to be hurt in any way but it was wonderful that she was able to walk and have her mobility for so long. We will figure out how to get Mom out during the summer so that we can take her different places and enjoy the warm weather. We were there for Mother's Day last Sunday (Dawne, Joel and me and our spouses - and Tara, Tim and the girls) and Mom really enjoyed that - the girls are very entertaining. Although Mom has not been able to talk fully for awhile now, she still communicates in other ways, and it the best is when she laughs! She continues to be a very gentle person, and cares about everyone. We continue to appreciate how fortunate we are to have you as our Dad, and to still have Mom here with us. Love and God Bless, Monica, Kent, Connor and Mitchell - Posted by: Monica Cook (Daughter) on: May 18, 2019

• Hi Dad. Here we are almost at Christmas 2018! Kent and I are just heading to Winnipeg to be there for a few days with Mom and the rest of the family. Connor and Mitchell will come to Winnipeg tomorrow, and it will be so great for all of the cousins to be together. Tara and Tim and the girls, and Rae-Lyn and Kellen and Jackson will all be there, and I think Tracey‘s kids will be there too! It will be a full house at Dawne and Jerry’s, and we are really looking forward to it. Mom is now living at Vista Park Lodge since the summer, as she was having some difficulties after another stroke in the spring. We spent much time with her at St. Boniface Hospital and then Deer Lodge and really hoped that she would be able to move back to Villa Aulneau. She just needs a bit more help than they can provide there though. I wish that we lived closer to Winnipeg to spend more time with Mom - I try to get there at least once a month. The boys are both doing well. Connor just finished his Finance degree at University of Lethbridge and Mitchell has done awesome in his IT program this past term. We are so proud of both of them, and we know you are too! Mom’s 86th birthday is on the 28th and we’re happy to be able to spend some time with her around her birthday and Jaxon will be 1 on the 29th - it will be a busy few days in Winnipeg, but so much fun. We’ll be sure to put the sweets out for you and we’ll enjoy a glass in your memory - and in memory of Gerry’s dad (Abe Dyck). He passed away in August and I’m sure you and he have had some visits since then! We miss you here, but are glad to have you watching over us. Merry Christmas. - Posted by: Monica Cook (Daughter) on: Dec 23, 2018

• Hi Dad. Four years since you’ve been gone from this earth. We still miss you all the time, and think about you every day. We’ve been trying our best to take care of Mom for you, and recently there’s been some struggles and she had to move into Deer Lodge Centre after a stroke. We hope that she will be able to move back home, even with some support, but right now it’s really a waiting game to see how well she will do. She is such a strong person, and still has her wonderful sense of humour. She’s working hard to do everything she can and we are there as much as possible. Aunt Sue has been spending much time with Mom too, and it helps so much. It seems Mom is much better when there are familiar people around. We had a wonderful day with Mom at Dawne and Gerry’s on Mother’s Day. She still laughs at the “girls”, especially Ethne. We are looking so forward to meeting Jaxon in person at the end of May, and I know Rae-Lyn is especially excited for Jaxon to meet his “GGMA”. We love you and know that you remain in our lives. Love and God Bless, Monica, Kent, Connor, Mitchell - Posted by: Monica Cook (Daughter) on: May 17, 2018

• Hi Dad. Here I am again - now it is already February 2018. I was reading about some of the history of the RCMP, and of course thinking about you again. You'll know that there is an exciting new addition to the family - Rae-Lyn and Kellen's baby boy, Jaxon John Burman. We haven't had the chance to meet him in person yet, but thanks to modern technology like FaceTime, Facebook (okay, maybe not so modern!) and IPhone photos, we've seen lots of him! Mom has seen pictures of your new great-grandson, and I hope that she will be able to meet him soon too - I think they may be travelling to Manitoba in April. Connor and Mitchell will be home again in a couple of weeks during "Reading Week" at both of their universities - it will be good to see them again! It will be Trappers' Festival in The Pas, for part of the time they are here, so that's good. Our nephew on Kent's side (Cassidy) is getting married this summer, and their wedding social will be on February 17, so Connor and Mitchell will be able to be there for the social in Bowsman/Swan River. That's great since the "cousins" don't see each other all that much as they are all busy with work, school and their busy lives. I spoke to Mom today and it's been so cold this winter that she hasn't been out much (I guess none of us has if we don't have to!). It's great that everything she needs is right at Villa Aulneau, but must feel like cabin fever sometimes. Thank God for Dawne (and Gerry) living close to Mom and taking care of so much for her! Tara and the girls visit there now and again too, and Mom really enjoys the "littles". They make her laugh, and that's so important. Love you and miss you. Monica, Kent, Connor and Mitchell - Posted by: Monica Cook (Daughter) on: Feb 03, 2018

• Hi Dad. The time keeps passing by so quickly! Another year almost gone by. Life here is still busy with work - and much fun mixed in along the way. I keep thinking, at my age, you were already retired for 5 years. You had 30 years of honourable service with the RCMP before you retired. So impressive. Then it was great that you and Mom had the opportunity to travel for 30 years, and to meet so many people along the way. You were always interested in meeting and talking to new people. Now it's Thanksgiving weekend again, and we do have so much to be thankful for. - Posted by: Monica Cook (Daughter) on: Oct 06, 2017

• Dear Dad. We had a great Christmas Day and dinner at Mom's at Villa Aulneau. We tried the Christmas dinner "to go" from The Fairmont" and it was really good. Connor and Mitchell enjoyed spending time with the whole family too - building gingerbread houses and trains with Analeigh, Sidonie, Charlotte and Ethne. We were all happy to be together and felt your presence there too. You would enjoy the company, good food and all the desserts! We love you and still miss you all the time, especially at family gatherings. Love and God Bless: Monica, Kent, Connor, Mitchell. - Posted by: Monica (Daughter) on: Dec 26, 2016

• Hi Dad. It's been quite awhile since I've posted here, although I think of you every day. It's hard to believe that two and a half years have passed since you went on to your next journey! I've been fortunate to be able to visit with Mom almost every month, and of course she continues to miss you every day, but the people who live in the same building where she moved are really good and there are many activities to take part in when she chooses. Mom has been to many events that I'd love to go to as well, so that is great! Connor and Mitchell started their fourth year of post-secondary now - how time flies! We continue to realize how blessed we are to have had you in our lives. Thank you. Love, Monica, Kent, Connor and Mitchell. - Posted by: Monica Cook (Daughter) on: Sep 18, 2016

• May 17, 2015. Hi Dad. It has been one year today since you left this earth and went on to your next journey. We are sure it is a good journey. We spent the day with Mom today, and try to spend time with her whenever we can. We all miss you every day, but of course Mom's life was changed the most because you and she spent every day together for more than 52 years! We went through many boxes of photos today - lots of memories and we still have more to go through! It was fun, but also emotional. It reminded us again of your happy life and all the good times we had, and all the travels you and Mom were able to enjoy - of course we just wish it all could have lasted a little longer. We love you and we were lucky to have you as long as we did. Thank you for all you taught us over the years. Monica, Kent, Connor and Mitchell - Posted by: Monica Cook (Daughter) on: May 18, 2015

• Dad, you are truly one of the best people I have known in my life. We love and miss you always, and especially at family gathering times like this on Christmas Day. We know you are celebrating in heaven, and that you are here with Mom and all of us in spirit as we gather together to enjoy Christmas dinner and sharing in each other's lives. Merry Christmas! - Posted by: Monica Cook (Daughter) on: Dec 25, 2014

• So very sorry to hear of Elmer's passing. My heart goes out to you. - Posted by: Milly Smolinski Kohler (Friend) on: May 26, 2014

• Lillian and family, we send our condolences knowing how much you will miss Elmer and treasure your memories. - Posted by: Ken and. Ólöf Hardy and daughters Janet Gray and Joan Hardy (Edginton) (Condo Neighbour s in Selkirk . Ólöf and her Baldwinson family knew Elmer as a well respected youn) on: May 22, 2014

• I have known Elmer for 60 years. He was the most honest and honourable man I knew. Dedicated to work and family, loving husband and father, grandfather, we will meet again my friend in God's Garden. Keeping your memories alive in my heart and mind. - Posted by: Jim Davisson (Life long friend and retired RCMP) on: May 22, 2014

• Lillian and Family . . . Deepest sympathies from Pierrette and I. Elmer was the person after which I modeled my career. He was honest, fair and a true gentleman. I have often thought of him over the years and the debt of gratitude I owe him. - Posted by: Robert SparkesRobertRrrRob (Fr) on: May 22, 2014

• Elmer and Lillian were long-time attendees in the weekly Tai Chi sessions, and were incredibly outgoing and personable. Elmer was greatly respected and appreciated by all of us - he will be greatly missed! Always ready to laugh or engage in a serious conversation. Condolences to Lillian and the entire family. - Posted by: Larry Lattanzi (A friend from Selkirk Tai Chi Class) on: May 22, 2014

• To Monica, Kent, Connor, Mitchell and the Cutts Family we extend our most sincere and heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Mr. Cutts. Please cherish and treasure your memories. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love, The MacCharles Family Rod, Marg., Liam & Family & Kevin - Posted by: Rod & Margit MacCharles (Friends) on: May 21, 2014

• It is with great sadness we send you our deepest condolences, our prayers are with you. - Posted by: Therese & Norm LeBleu (Friends of Mr. Cutts children) on: May 21, 2014