Obituary of Elmer Theodore Turigan

Elmer Theodore Turigan

November 27, 1931 ~ December 29, 2025

Elmer Theodore Turigan, of Stettler, Alberta, beloved husband of the late Shirley Anne Turigan, passed away peacefully at Heritage House, Stettler, Alberta on December 29, 2025, at the age of 94 years.

Elmer was born on November 27, 1931, in Galahad, Alberta, to Sophia and Andrew Turigan. From an early age, Elmer developed a lifelong love for horses, a passion that shaped much of his life and work. Another true passion of Elmer’s was playing the guitar.

Elmer married Shirley Vanderford and the family followed.  Elmer began his career driving tanker and later hauling cattle liners before following his true calling to the racetrack, where he trained horses. Eventually, he returned home and built an indoor arena, dedicating himself to breaking thoroughbreds for the racetrack.

Beyond his work with horses, Elmer pursued two additional passions — team roping and oil painting. He excelled in both, winning numerous awards over the years. Whether in the arena or behind an easel, Elmer brought dedication, skill, and heart to everything he did.

Above all else, Elmer deeply loved his family. He also had a special fondness for anyone who shared his love of horses—if you liked horses, you were family to him too.

Elmer will be remembered for his hard work, talent, kindness, and unwavering devotion to the life he loved.

Elmer is survived by children: Patricia Turigan (Mike Hoffart); Ian Blokland, Tim (Tania) Blokland, Sophie, Lukas, Holly (deceased); Chris Woytuck, Laurissa (Dan) Rolls, Joshua, Mayzie, Charlotte, Jamie Trudgeon (Vin Clarke), Gracie, Maverick and Charleigh,Dawnie (Ben) Jordi, Theoren, Alexis (Mike) Lawlor, Nathaniel, Seth, Brodie, Doug (Yvonne) Turigan; David (Morgan) Turigan, Jessica, Alanna, Erin Turigan (Wade McIlwraith), William, Reyden and Grace, Colin Turigan (Patti Marsh); Callie (Riley) Anderson, Charlie, Dawson, Lane (deceased), Denton, Jenalee (Devin) Baskey, Lucas, Bodhi, Rayden Faith, Summer, Mia, Garrett Adcock (Julianna Brooker), Brandon Adcock (Alexandra Zitaruk); brother Don (Claire) Turigan; sister-in-law Lois McPherson; a palomino mare Hickory; numerous step grandchildren; great grandchildren and life long neighbors and  friends.

Elmer was predeceased by his parents Sophia and Andrew Turigan; sisters Melva Turigan and Fern Smith; daughter Holly Turigan and grandson Lane Turigan.

Celebration of Life

Friday, January 23, 2026 at 1:30 P.M.

Stettler Funeral Home, Stettler, Alberta

Memorial donations may be made to S.T.A.R.S. Box 570, Calgary, Alberta T2E 8M7 or to a charity of your choice.