Elaine Kotow died peacefully at Grey Nuns Hospital on February 4, 2023 at the age of 81. She was born in High Prairie, AB to Lucy and Enoch Lundblad on August 25, 1941, and grew up in Valleyview, AB.
She is predeceased by her parents, her sister Florence, her
husband Robert (Bob) Kotow, and companion Tom. She is survived by her children, Trish Kotow (Mike Jones), Cindy Kirby (Kevin) and Gordon Kotow.
Elaine’s friendships endured—both new and old—lasting from her school days in Alberta to her retirement in Nanaimo. Elaine was part-owner of a group of family-owned
businesses specializing in building supplies and equipment rentals in Valleyview. She was active as a volunteer and member of several community groups, and served as a town councillor, figure-skating judge, and part-time ambulance driver throughout the years.
She retired to Nanaimo, BC in 1995 with Bob where she was active with Newcomers, Probus, bridge, volunteer work, and hosting gatherings in their beautiful back yard until she returned to Alberta in 2022. Elaine will always be remembered for hosting lively
parties during bonspiels in Valleyview, a lot of good times on the golf course, her
handwritten letters, and her love of road trips in her van and motorhome with her friends. She diligently maintained contact with her extended family in Canada, Norway, and Sweden, and will be missed by them all.
A service will be held later in Valleyview, AB. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Fifty years of incredible Friendship! Bob and Elaine shared so many activities with so many of us….we can’t count them all…..but we will not forget any of those exciting fishing trips, golf games, camping excursions, bonspiel early morning breakfasts!, road trips, Hawaii beaches and more! Friendship to last a life time! Thanks for all the good times!
I wish to express my deepest sympathy to Elaine’s family – she was a very unique person. I met Elaine in 1989 when I moved to Valleyview for work and was immediately welcomed into her social circle. Over the years, we have had many wonderful outings together and great conversations….including cherished, fun times with the Ross family. Elaine was an active member of her community, both in Valleyview and her retirement community of Nanaimo. Over the years, I found her hand written letters and political satire particularly endearing. Goodbye my friend – we will miss you.
Trish, Cindy and Gordie
I can write a book using your Mom’s had written letters to me over 25 years and a wonderful friendship, second to none, for our lifetime! So many good times, so many bonspiels, figure skating competitions, snowmobiling and winter bonfires were always events never missed! Fantastic hospitality many weekends after we transferred to Drumheller!
Camping and fishing trips, HAWAII on several trips over the years! I will miss so many calls, mail, recipes, music and sing.alongs, and just her being the glue that kept us in the loop! I will always love both your Mom and Dad and count each of you kids as part of our clan from now on! The greatest gift anyone can give is ?? LOVE! And she always gave so generously and unconditionally!l will always treasure the times and Love and Shenanigans we shared!
Sincere condolences to Trish ,Cindy and Gordon. Your mother was a
wonderful friend, we had a lot of good times together through the
years. Faye Osborne.
My sincere condolences to you and your family Trish. Your Mum is now with her Creator and no more pain and suffering. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Dear Trish, Cindy and Gordon…I am so sorry to hear about your Mom, Elaine. I just saw the obit in today’s paper. I had not been in contact with her (my cousin) for some time, but I knew her when she was a young Mom, and I remember her as always smiling and generous. Distances back then always seemed too great, so our families rarely got together…except for funerals, weddings and such. My heart goes out to all of you and your families.
Our deepest condolences to Elaine’s family, friends and loved ones. She will be missed by many. I will miss her so much, but I’ll be comforted by the many good memories of happy times with Elaine.
Trish, Cindy and Gordon,
Our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your mother Elaine. We have many fond
memories of Elaine and Bob from our years in Valleyview, and the friendship
that has continued ever since. Treasure the memories.
Muriel and Larry Nelson – Edmonton
Trish, Cindy and Gordon
Our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Mother Elaine. We have many
fond memories of Elaine and Bob from our years in Valleyview, and the
friendship that continued ever since . Treasure the memories.
Muriel and Larry Nelson – Edmonton