Elmer C. Kierstead

In honor of the memory of Elmer Carey Kierstead, we announce his passing at age 79, to be with the Lord and his beautiful wife Sandra on February 16, 2021, after fighting a battle with Parkinson's for many years.  

During this time, we think of Elmer's daughters Kimberly (John) Storey of Sussex and their daughter Ashley; Katrina Abbott of Brown's Flat, and her daughter Alexandra; brother David (Sharon) Kierstead of Saint John; niece who was more like a third daughter Tina Earle; sister-in- law Jean Bell of Sussex; as well as special nieces, nephews and cousins  Along with his parents, Elmer Jonah Kierstead and Phyllis (Wood) Kierstead, he was predeceased by his wife Sandra Gertrude (Earle) and his grandson Nathan John Storey,

Elmer had a great a love for his family and friends. If you were his friend, you were family. He was a physical man who enjoyed playing hard as well as working hard. He enjoyed watching Saturday night hockey, playing hockey, soccer, tug of war, camping and wrestling with his girls when they were young. He loved going on canoe trips with his close friends (all the Bobs) down the Miramichi River.

His love for horses went further than a hobby farm. They attended many horse shows throughout Canada and the US, often winning awards.  Not only was it something he loved and enjoyed, it was something he was natural at. In the past, he held the office of president of both NB Percheron Draft Association and the Maritime Draft Horse Association.

Having trained as a machinist, he brought the skill and precision into his love of woodworking and many people have enjoyed the results of a true craftsman who took extreme pride in his work.  Everyone knew if you wanted something built, welded or fixed, to call him. He had all the tools and skills to do just about anything.

As a machinist he worked for Joe's Machine shop and T.S. Simms before joining Irving Pulp and Paper Mill where he worked for 28 years.  It was also at the Pulp Mill where many of his co-workers became life-long friends.  He was a member of the Canadian Papermakers Union and the International Association of Machinists. He was a life-long member of the Brown's Flat Baptist Church serving as a Deacon and Trustee for many years as well as singing in the choir.  

After retiring Elmer and Sandra spent many years wintering in Florida in their RV, volunteering with The Sowers group in mission work.  Sandy, with church and children and Elmer doing the physical things that were so necessary to keep things going.

Many thanks to the staff at Kennebec Manor, his home for the past 3.5 years. Also, to his special caregivers Lisa, Darlene, Crystal, Heather, Della, Lori and Dorothy who showed him such great love and cared for him so well.  Many thanks to the nurses and Dr. Dorey in the Burn Unit and to the nurses and the doctors in Palliative Care at SJRH. We also thank Dr. Renju Kuriakose for his thoughtful care of Elmer as his Parkinson's Doctor.

To everyone that showed support, kind thoughts and especially provided us with much needed prayer, we give our heartfelt thanks.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (646-2424).  Due to the pandemic, Elmer’s Memorial Service will be for invited guests only. You are invited to watch the service online on Sunday, February 21st at 4 p.m. here at https://zoom.us/j/94439403872?pwd=eDVEakxuMHA0aUV5RjZqQWd6cmFPUT09  

Donations in memory of Elmer may be made to the Browns Flat Cemetery Fund or to Parkinson Society. 

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