Elmert Goa

1930 - 2025

We're deeply saddened to say farewell to Elmer Goa, who passed peacefully on June 16, 2025 in The Pas, MB, age 95 years, surrounded by his loving and devoted family.

Born to Eivend and Johanna Goa on February 22, 1930 in Weldon, SK, Elmer was the youngest of six children (Marie, Einar, Arne, Karen, Carsten) and the only one to be born in Canada, not Norway. Elmer worked at the Co-op in Weldon and Foam Lake before joining the Saskatoon Police Force in June 1952. In the early days, police were issued winter 'buffalo coats' made from bison hide. Elmer remembered his coat being so heavy he had to drop it on the street, the better to hot-foot it after a thief, then come back for it later. He met Selma Schmidt at the Victory Theatre in Saskatoon, SK and was instantly smitten. They were married in Saskatoon on April 30, 1954. It was the start of a rare love story. Selma was the adored love of his life. Their marriage was so openly affectionate and truly special that Cupid must have been very proud of himself. Elmer and Selma's four children (Valerie, Ken, Karen and Barbara) were raised amongst great love, caring and support, which they have carried through to their own families. Elmer and Selma spent hot, lazy summers at Chitek Lake, SK with their children and families all piled in like puppies in their lakeside log cabin, campers and tents on the lawn.

Elmer enjoyed fishing (sometimes even catching a fish), golfing and, most of all, playing practical jokes on unsuspecting victims. He was an incorrigible prankster; never was he more gleeful than when he was thinking up tricks or beating much younger relatives senseless playing cards. He also was addicted to garage sales, often coming home proudly bearing boxes of useless junk, or beaten up furniture that he carefully restored. More than once, he'd take his car in for a tire change and come home with a brand new car, much to Selma's bemusement. Elmer was a skilled, much liked and well respected member of the Police, receiving several medals for Distinguished Service during his long career. After Elmer retired from the Saskatoon Police as Inspector in June 1984, he and Selma put on their travelling shoes, trading Saskatchewan winters for adventures in the warmer climates of New Zealand, Portugal, Arizona, Victoria, BC, Osoyoos, BC and White Rock, BC. They moved into their apartment in Prince Albert, SK in 2000. Elmer became a champion potato peeler at the Royal Canadian Legion, peeling a mountain of spuds for the cause. When Selma lost yet another game of cards to Elmer, she'd call him a 'potato-peeling crumb'.

After Selma passed in 2006, Elmer lived in the apartment on his own until March 2025, when he moved into Bellevue Care Home, Bellevue, SK. He was reunited at Bellevue with his loving and supportive companion of seven years, Yvette Cyr, and was well cared for there in the last months of his life. Elmer had a huge capacity for love and pride for his family but also for extended family members, including Yvette's family, his nieces and nephews and his children's friends. He was a much-loved father, father-in-law, grandfather, uncle and brother, and a good friend to so many people who felt lucky to spend time in his lively and humorous company, despite some truly awful jokes. Elmer is remembered by everyone who knew him for his kindness, generosity of spirit, easy manner with people and the twinkle in his eye. He was an exceptional man who is painfully missed, but we are comforted knowing he is now at rest with Selma.

Elmer is survived by his children Valerie Johnson (Kim, The Pas, MB), Karen Derksen (Golden, BC), Ken Goa (Karen, Auckland, New Zealand), Barbara Schultz (Tim, The Pas, MB), grandchildren Vicki Crossley, David Johnson, Joshua Schultz, Mandy Schultz, Jennifer Schultz, Kyle Derksen, Ryan Derksen (Zuzana), and great-grandchildren Brett Crossley, Austin Crossley, Emma Johnson, Davis Johnson, William Schultz, Kyri Mink (Schultz), Monroe Schultz-Saunders, Caleb Schultz, Benjamin Derksen and Sara Derksen.

Elmer was predeceased by his parents and siblings, great granddaughter Rylie Schultz-Saunders, son-in-law Glen Derksen and his beloved wife, Selma.

In keeping with Elmer's wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family interment will be held at a later date in the South Hill Cemetery, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Royal Canadian Legion, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan or to a charity of choice would be appreciated by Elmer's family.

Hemauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services, The Pas, MB were in care of arrangements. For online condolences visit www.hemauerfuneralhome.com