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Elmer Lach Obituary
Jauary 22, 1918 - April 4, 2015
The passing of a legend...
The Canadiens family, National Hockey League, family, friends and more fans than he knew he had mourn the passing of Elmer Lach, who now joins legendary Punch Line mates Rocket Richard and Toe Blake and many fellow Habs to share stories of their glorious years together.
Elmer, a native of Nokomis, Sask., arrived in Montreal in 1940 and would play 14 seasons with the Canadiens from 1940-54, winning Stanley Cups in 1944, 1946 and 1953. He won the 1947-48 Art Ross Trophy as the NHL's top point-scorer and the 1944-45 Hart Trophy as the league's most valuable player, winning the league point-scoring title in 1944-45 as well, before the Art Ross Trophy had been introduced.
Elmer played 664 regular-season NHL games, all for the Canadiens, scoring 215 goals and adding 408 assists. He is famously remembered for having scored the overtime winner to give the Habs the 1953 Stanley Cup.
A five-time All-Star, Elmer was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1966 and in 2009 he had his No. 16 sweater retired by the Canadiens.
Elmer is survived by his step-daughters Michèle (Atlanta, Ga) and Denise Morel, and Denise's son Marc.
Humble to the end he requested a simple farewell (no funeral or memorial service). He will be joining his beloved wife of 30 years Lise Desjardins Morel, who passed away last October.
The family would like to thank the devoted staff of the Lakeshore General Hospital and The West Island Palliative Care Residence for their kindness and professionalism.
In memoriam, please consider a donation to the Lakeshore General Hospital Foundation (514) 630-2081 or http://fondationlakeshore.ca/donate.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
18 Entries
Heather and John Jeffery
April 10, 2015
Please accept our sincere condolences. I knew "Uncle" Elmer and his first wife, Kay, as a child when my late parents, George and Eleanor Downes lived in the same apartment building in NDG and spent some holidays together. Our last visit with Elmer was in 2007 at a gathering at my cousin's farm in VanKleek Hill, ON where we heard many of the old stories. It was nice to meet Lise and to see how happy they were together.
Patrick St-Laurent
April 10, 2015
To the Lach family,
Our sincere condolences for your loss! M. Lach and our father were great teammates as well as friends.
From the family of Dollard St-Laurent
Marilyn & John Goodbody
April 6, 2015
As we live our lives and years go by, there are certain special people who touch us in such a way as to change our lives. Elmer (along with Kay & Lise) were such people - kind, gentle, generous people who easily shared their love and joy.
From days long gone, all the way back to Marlborough and Summerlea Golf Clubs, we shall forever remember our laughter and good times. They taught me the love of the game with their amusing words of encouragement: Don't smell the flowers; don't talk to me about the kids; just hit the damn ball! Thanks for the memories!!
Elmer, You are a giant amongst men dear friend and we will miss you immensely. Sincere condolences to the family.
Caren Donahoe
April 6, 2015
To the Lach family,
Elmer was recovering in a Convalescent hospital at the same time as my mother 4 years ago and their rooms were close by. When she met Elmer she was in 7th Heaven and they and Mrs. Lach were frequent visitors to each other's rooms remembering the Glory days of the Habs. Elmer and Mrs Lach were always so gracious to my Mom and really helped with her recovery and motivation to recover.he even signed a personalized autograph to send to me ,knowing I too am a life long Habs fan. I will cherish it and his kindness always.
Adieu
God bless his family.
Caren D.
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Richard Blanchette
April 6, 2015
Very sorry to learn about Elmer's passing.Had the priviledge to know him when he was PR for Maislin Trspt. and I was Traffic Coord. for Gen.Foods in Lasalle. He was a classy gentleman, and I loved his humour. I was fortunate to talk and chat with a Legend of hockey.
I will always remember you Elmer.
Rest in peace.
Sincere condelences to the family
April 6, 2015
I was so sorry to hear of Elmer's passing. He and my mother were in a convalescent hospital at the same time 4 years ago on the same floor and he and his wife were so gracious to her and really boosted her morale and motivation to recover. Now they are all in Heaven and I hope resting in peace together. He even signed a personalized autograph for her to send to me which I will cherish as a life long Habs Fan.
Adieu Elmer!
Bobby Hoare
April 6, 2015
So sorry to hear of his passing. I was a salesman at Maislin Transport from 76to,1983 and Elmer was so kind and helpful. My condolences to his loved ones.
Ted Purdie
April 6, 2015
Dear Michele and Denise
My sincere condolences to you and your family. It was a privilege to have Elmer and your mom as neighbors. They were always so friendly and seemed to enjoy each other's company so much. I also enjoyed the occasional chats with Elmer during his time at the Sunrise.
Elmer will be missed by his many friends and family.
Sincerely
Ted Purdie
Barbara Hannah
April 6, 2015
Dear Denise and family, please accept our sincere condolences.
Trevor Lach
April 6, 2015
Rest in peace Grandpa
~Trevor James Lach~
Helene Blake
April 6, 2015
So sorry to hear of his passing ~ please accept our sincere condolences~
Phillip Lach
April 6, 2015
His accomplishments in life will always be remembered
April 6, 2015
one offthe best members at SUMMERLEA he was always easy to accept his starting time on the course he will be missed by his group known as ELMER,S GROUP R I P starter RICK
April 6, 2015
I was sorry to hear of Elmer's passing. I knew the Lach family when they lived across from Rosedale school. We always gather at Elmer's house, with his son Ronnie. Going to the Lach's house was a treat, Ronnie's mom was a great cookie maker. Elmer used to joke with us and make us feel so welcome. RIP
Helle Pold, from Lakefield Que.
April 6, 2015
I'm very sorry to hear of Elmers passing. I knew the Lach family when they lived across from Rosedale school. Ronnie and his gang were always at his house where his Mom would have such nice treats for us. Elmer would always be joking with us. Elmer was a great in everything.
Stuart + Elaine Lach
April 6, 2015
Our condolences to the family.
Rest easy Uncle Elmer.
April 6, 2015
Some of my best memories growing up were with Elmer and Lise at the country club. He taught me how to caddy and putt! You will be sorrily missed Mr. Lach
John & Susann Rodger
April 6, 2015
Dear Michele, Denise & family:
On behalf or the Rodger Family (formally of Lachute) please accept our sincere condolences. Elmer & your mother were good friends of our family. I looked forward to my annual visit with them every spring to give them maple syrup. Elmer will be missed by his many friends and family. He certainly gave my family lot of thrills and fun as he used to come up to our family farm when he was playing. I've known him from the time I was 12yrs old.
Sincerely
John & Susann Rodger
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