Date of Birth: November 23, 1947
Date of Death: March 15, 2024
Born in Midwolde, Gronigen, Netherlands, on Nov. 23, 1947 to Atje Burgess (Kok), Elso Kok immigrated to Canada with his family when he was two years old. Raised by his mother and grandparents in Melville, SK, Elso enjoyed the friendship of his sisters and brothers.
Elso is survived by his mother, Atje Burgess of Melville, SK; brothers, Edward (Cathy) Burgess of Winnipeg, John (Anna) of Edmonton, AB, Derk (Louise) of Meadow Lake, SK, Fred (Diane) of Melville, SK; and sisters, Jeanne Burgess of Melville, SK, and Corrie (Ed) of Kelowna, B.C.; plus numerous nieces and nephews.
Elso met the love of his life, Yvonne (Johnson) in 1970. Elso and Yvonne were married on Jan. 23, 1971 and just recently celebrated their 53 wedding anniversary. With the arrival of their three beautiful daughters, Connie, Carrie (Patrick) and Cindy (Jason), Elso supported his family by working for the Canadian National Railway. Elso started working for CN at an early age on the gangs in Melville. In 1984 he transferred to Portage la Prairie and became a Roadmaster, working in the same building as his long time best friend Brian. In 1991 Elso moved his family to Oakbank, when he took the job as Track Supervisor working out of Ste. Anne’s until his retirement in 2004.
After retirement, Elso and Yvonne decided that the Manitoba winters were no longer for them and began wintering in Yuma, Arizona. Elso became known as the local handyman tackling numerous small jobs around the RV park. They enjoyed their time going from trailer to trailer for happy hour, playing cards and dominoes with all their friends and family.
Elso’s many hobbies included fishing, hunting, woodworking and spending time with his grandchildren, Shayna (Shane), Shayla, Amy and Eryn. He was very proud of his grandchildren and could often be found hanging out at the rink or ball diamond cheering them on in whatever sports they played. Elso was an avid sports fan and enjoyed sitting in his recliner watching the Jets, Blue Jays or
Bombers. You could also often find Elso at Tim Horton’s having coffee with Brian, and we are certain they are enjoying a cup together right now.
After a lengthy battle with heart disease and peacefully with his family by his side, Elso passed away on Friday, March 15, 2024 at the age of 76.
The family wishes to thank the staff at the Beausejour Hospital for making dad’s last days peaceful and comfortable.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba or to the Beausejour Hospital TV Fund.
A celebration of life will be held at Seasons Funeral Chapel in Oakbank, MB., Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 2 p.m. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting Elso’s memorial page at www.seasonsfunerals.ca
