Elgin John was born at home on the farm, in Bentinck Township, on Sunday, July 17, 1927. He was the oldest child of Elmer and Sybilla (Yandt) Monk and was later joined by younger sisters Marjorie (1929) and Eleanor (1932). The Monk family resided on the 8th of Bentinck and did mixed farming. Elgin went on to attend public school in Habermehl, however his desire to farm exceeded his aspirations for further education, even though his prospective high school principal pushed for him to attend. Therefore, he did not pursue high school but instead returned home to help dad on the farm. Elgin enjoyed working with the horses and could often be found thrashing or ploughing in the fields.
In his early 20’s Elgin began working for Knechtel Furniture in Hanover and soon moved into town to board with his sister Marjorie. During this time Elgin loved to frequent local dances. On many of these occasions, Gid Tanner & His Skillet Lickers’ Down Yonder would be played. As soon as this piece was announced, Elgin, who was a great dancer in his day, would locate his favourite dance partner, a young lady by the name of Pearl Inez Kaufman, and ask her to dance. Thankfully, persistence paid off and she always agreed! 🙂 Together, they gracefully moved around the dance floor and in time began dating. A couple years later they were married on Saturday, December 6, 1952, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Bentinck Township. The young couple settled in Elmwood for a couple of years, before purchasing a 100-acre farm on the 12th of Bentinck in 1955. Together with Pearl, they welcomed four sons, Brian (1953), Bradley (1957), Glenn (1964) and Gary (1966). As the boys grew, Elgin slowly grew the size of their farming operation, as he had more helping hands! 🙂 Elgin also worked off the farm, to help support his growing family and therefore worked at several factories before taking a job at the Feed Mill in Desboro. Back on the farm, Elgin spent a time raising wiener pigs before moving on to a cow/calf operation. When it came to his farm machinery, Elgin was a big supporter of Massey Ferguson. He thoroughly enjoyed life on the farm, and together with Pearl’s help remained there for over 60 years, until it was sold in April of 2013.
In his limited free time, Elgin was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved being one with nature and getting outside with his hound dogs at his side, and hunting for local game. It should be noted he was a great shot as well…. which helps if you want to be a successful hunter! 🙂 Through his passion, Elgin acquired and built up quite the collection of guns through the years. He also bred, raised and cared for countless hound dogs, even selling a few, however, his favourite was a dog named King. I am told he was special, and Elgin loved to reminisce about these enjoyable times in his later years through storytelling. In addition to fishing locally, Elgin always looked forward to his yearly trip north, to Algonquin Park and Tea Lake, to fish for Lake Trout.
Elgin was a quiet, independent man who was always up for an adventure. He was organized and extremely gifted with numbers. He could perform difficult calculations with ease, without paper I might add. From a young age, Elgin enjoyed music. His grandfather, John, instilled that in him and he went on to play a bit of harmonica and violin in his earlier years. When it came to listening to music, Wild Irish Rose and Crystal Chandelier were two of Elgin’s favourites. He was a meat and potatoes man, never straying away from these staples, however he also had a soft spot for Fish & Chips, particularly from Norm’s in Hanover. Another treat was ice cream, with his favourite flavour being Maple Walnut. Luckily for Elgin, no one else in the house liked Maple Walnut, meaning he got the entire container to himself. Let’s just say he used this to his advantage many times! 🙂 Like many of us, Elgin also enjoyed a nice cold beverage, with Labatt products, especially Blue, being a favourite. He also liked his Daily Mail tobacco, which he rolled at home in vogue papers, for years. IT should also be noted that Elgin was very mindful with his money and therefore in time, he decided smoking was becoming too expensive and he quit cold turkey, literally ploughing it under (I am not joking).
Sadly, in the early 2000’s Elgin started experiencing some dementia. Surrounded by the love and support of family and friends, Elgin made the best of each day, and began to slow down. Television became a great source of entertainment with the news, Price is Right and Hockey Night in Canada being some of his favourites. In 2013, he and Pearl moved into The Village in Hanover, whereby they were both provided with further support. They further enjoyed each other’s company and socializing with friends and neighbours within the building. Unfortunately, Elgin’s condition continued to worsen, and he was moved into long term care in 2019. Thankfully, Pearl was close by, visiting regularly, and providing care and support when needed. Sadly, Elgin died suddenly, on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in his 95th year.
Beloved husband of Pearl (Kaufman). Loving father of Brian of South Bruce Peninsula, Brad (Karen) of Stoney Plain, Alberta, Glenn (Erin Kelly-Lafortune) of Port Elgin and Gary (Russell Shivas) of Toronto. Elgin will be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Nathan, Wesley, Shelby, Tyler, Jesse as well as great-grandchildren Kail, Damian, Jake and Paislee. Cherished brother of Eleanor Ellis of Brantford. Elgin was predeceased by his daughter-in-law Mary Monk, sister Marjorie (Arnold) Weitendorf, and his parents Elmer and Sybilla (Yandt) Monk.
A public visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Sunday, March 6, 2022, from 1 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 2 p.m. All are welcome to both visitation and service. Masks are mandatory. Spring inurnment in St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery, Bentinck Township.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or Alzheimer Society would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
Pearl, I am so sorry to hear of Elgins death. Hold all the good memories close. Thinking of you and your family in this difficult time.
My sympathy Pearl and to all the family
My deepest sympathy Pearl, to you and your family.
My deepest condolences to Pearl (my mom’s lifelong friend)and the family. So truly sorry for their loss.
Pearl, thinking of you and your family during this time.
Sorry for your loss. Thinking of Pearl and her family during this difficult time
Dear sister Pearl and family,
Harvey and I have many wonderful memories of time spent together with you, Elgin and family. What fun times we had at Louise Hall on the 12th of Bentinck, your farm and many other locations.
Our deepest sympathy,
Love Harvey and Dorothy
Pearl, Brian, Brad, Glenn and Gary and families please accept our sincere sympathy on the passing of your husband, dad, father-in-law, grandpa and great grandpa.
My deepest sympathy Pearl, to you and your family. Keeping you in my prayers 🙏
Dear Aunt Pearl, Cousins Brian, Brad, Glenn, Gary and families,
Our deepest sympathy to everyone. We have fond memories of Eldie from our many visits to the farm and all the family get togethers over the year. We remember Eldie’s many hound dogs and his love of hunting and fishing. May your many happy memories of Eldie, give you comfort and peace.
Sincerely,
Nancy, Joe and Sierra Poset
Sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts of comfort are sent your way.
Our sincere condolences Pearl and Family on the loss of Elgin.
My sympathy, Pearl and family on your loss. May your memories of fun times bring you comfort.
Pearl, So sorry to hear of Elgin’s passing. He was such a gentle loving person. Always a smile on his face.
Dear Pearl, Brian , Brad, Glenn , Gary and families. Our sincere condolences on your loss. My prayers are with you all as you grieve your loss of Elgin.
Jeannette & Skip ❤️❤️
Our deepest sympathies to Pearl, Brian, Brad, Glenn, Gary and families… Elgin will be a remembered neighbour, the head of another family who have lived on our concession for longer than our time growing up here. May your family find peace and comfort in the memories over the days and years to come.
Dear Mrs Pearl Monk and Family of Elgin ,
Pearl and Elgin were customers at TD Bank where I worked last in November 2004. I have not forgotten your face Mrs .Monk . I’m sad for your loss of such a wonderful and interesting man.
My sincere condolences to you and your family. Elgin has left quite a legacy for everyone that knew him.
Kudos to whomever wrote this amazing Man Elgin who I would’ve been honoured to have known better.
My prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of Elgin.
Sincerely,
Laura Luedke of Mildmay
Sending sincere condolences to you Pearl and your family. Sending lots of hugs.
Pearl and family sincere sympathy on the loss of your husband and father. I am sure you will have many good memories to cherish.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Pearl and your wonderful family at this sad time.
May all your family memories of Elgin give you comfort. He will be missed.
Morris and Marlene
Sending my condolences to Pearl and families. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Sincere sympathy to you, Pearl, Gary and families. I am so saddened by your loss. My thoughts are with you. May peace and comfort find you at this difficult time.
My deepest sympathy to the entire Monk family at the loss of Elgin. I have many memories of spending time on the 12th of Bentinck and of the entire Monk family. May God heal your broken hearts and fill it with wonderful stories and memories of you husband and father.
Thinking of you Pearl, cherish the memories.
Glenn, Gary and family,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Sympathies from the Mannerow family
So sorry for your loss Pearl & family. I remember the neighbor’s all getting together on New Year’s eve.
Our sincere condolences on the passing of Elgin.
To Aunt Pearl, Brian, Brad, Glenn, Gary & families. Sending our sincere condolences. We always enjoyed our times together on the farm, at the many get togethers over the years and swapping fishing stories with Eldie. Thinking of all of you at this time.
Dear Pearl & Gary,
I am deeply saddened by the loss that you have encountered. My thoughts, prayers and well-wishes are with you during this sorrow dark time. May God give you the strength and peace that you seek. ♥️
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have many great memories of Elgin that I will cherish. Sending you all a big hug and ❤️
Dear Pearl & family, and extended Kaufman & Monk families,
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Elgin. ‘May all the wonderful memories you have of him help to ease your sadness & loss. And, may the love, support, and care of family and friends get you thru this difficult time.
Hugs to all of you, especially Joyce…my ‘adopted’ sister
Pearl and family our deepest sympathies with the loss of Elgin.
Our deepest sympathy to Pearl & family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Cherish all the wonderful memories and the times that you spent together.
Pearl & family our deepest sympathy. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time
Pearl, we are so sorry for your loss. May he Rest In Peace
Our Deepest Condolences Pearl and your Family. May the memories of Elgin’s Love and Laughter help you through this difficult time..
Our sincere condolences to you, Pearl and your family. Hope all your fond memories give you comfort. Elgin will be missed.
Sincere sympathy to you, Pearl, and all your family. Thinking of you …. Hoping the memories of your years together will help you at this difficult time.
Pearl and family thoughts and prayers are with all the family, we are in Florida unable
to do visitation….. here is a big HUG….until I see you
Deepest Sympathy to our dear Pearl and her family. Thinking of you all. Elgin will be missed at family events.
So sorry for your loss Pearl and family. Fond memories will keep him close.
Our deepest sympathy to Pearl and her family, we will all miss Elgin ❤️
Elgin was a great Father in-law, I will miss him dearly.
Love you.❤️
My deepest sympathies to Pearl and family. Cherish the memories.
Uncle Elgin was a great man with lots of fishing and hunting stories to be told. Playing his harmonica was another past time that will be remembered by many. Hugs to Aunt Pearl, Brad, Brian, Glenn, Gary and families