Emil passed away peacefully, on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at the age of 56. 

 

Though young in years when he passed, he would say that his life was full, surrounded by a family he loved dearly, numerous friends that he would consider family, and a lifetime of unbelievable experiences.  The ‘Cat’ is the closest they come to a superhero; his uncanny ability to cheat death was nothing short of supernatural, and yes, all (most) of those stories were true!  Emil was a larger-than-life personality; he was loud, fiercely protective, unapologetic, authentic, funny, witty, and he will be missed dearly.
 
Emil is survived by his wife and best friend Leslie, and their three children, Jace, Jesse and Camryn; his “sisters” Cindy, Susannah, Maureen, Tracey, Lisa, Chris, Marilyn, Sandra, Betty, and Rhonda; his “brothers” John, Russ, Dany, Greg, Andy, Mike, Wayne, and Jim; numerous nieces and nephews; and so many close friends he considered family (you know who you are).  Emil was predeceased by his “parents” Bill and Bea, and Sylvester and Anna; and his brothers Norman and Richard.
 
Cremation has taken place, and a private celebration of his life will take place at a later date.  Emil always had a story to tell, beginning with, “Did I ever tell you about the time ….”   We encourage family and friends to honour his memory and visit his tribute page at EthicalDeathCare.com. Memories and stories published by those who knew him are available there.

“To all in my life, Jace, Jesse, Camryn and my wife Leslie…. the backbone of our family, I am very proud that I was blessed with your presence in my life. “
--Emil Delnea--
 
Donations, in memory of Emil, may be made in support of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), website www.jdrf.ca or toll free 1-877-287-3533.

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Emil’s favorite poem that he referenced often, was “The Indispensable Man” by Saxon White Kessinger. This poem embodies how Emil lived his life:  he did his best, overcame many personal challenges, and he was proud of his accomplishments; friends, family, and making an impact.

 

Emil, you did all of those things, and you will not soon be forgotten.   You have come very close to becoming an indispensable man!   Rest in peace.

 

The Indispensable Man

 

Sometime when you’re feeling important;

Sometime when your ego’s in bloom;

Sometime when you take it for granted,

You’re the best qualified in the room;

Sometime when you felt that your going,

Would leave an unfillable hole,

Just follow these simple instructions,

And see how they humble your soul.

 

Take a bucket and fill it with water,

Put your hand in it up to the wrist,

Pull it out and the hole that’s remaining,

Is a measure of how much you’ll be missed.

You can splash all you wish when you enter,

You may stir up the water galore,

But stop, and you’ll find that in no time,

It looks quite the same as before.

 

The moral of this quaint example,

Is to do just the best that you can,

Be proud of yourself but remember,

There’s no indispensable man.

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~Saxon White Kessinger