MacCoubrey Funeral Home
30 King St. E., Cobourg
MacCoubrey Funeral Home Reception Centre
30 King Street East, Cobourg
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With heavy hearts and deep sadness, we announce the passing of Elmer George Grills on February 19, 2026, in his 99th year. He was born on April 20, 1927, in Hilton, Ontario, to the late Ekel and Florence (née Begg) Grills.
Elmer was predeceased by his sisters Ellen and Ina, and is lovingly remembered by his siblings Ella, Jim, and Clara.
A devoted and loving husband, Elmer shared 66 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Evelyn Grills (née Graham). Together they continued to build a life full of hard work, laughter, and deep devotion to their love for each other on their homestead in Baltimore, Ontario, on what is now known as Grills Road, named after his hardworking family who established themselves in the area in the 19th century.
He was a proud father to Larry (Janet) and Barry (Melissa) and a deeply cherished grandfather to Meghan (Cory), Wesley (Lucia), Katlyn (Donny), Courtney (Austin), and Chase. Nothing brought him greater joy than becoming a great-grandfather to Radson and Brynn, who added new excitement to his later years.
Elmer spent his life doing what he loved most — dairy farming. Beyond the fields, he found great happiness around the card table playing euchre with friends, on the dance floor with Evelyn, and gathered around a table full of family. Time spent together meant everything to him.
Known for his quick wit, gentle and compassionate nature, Elmer had a way of making everyone feel welcome, loved (and tall). He valued community, family, and believed that the greatest success in life was the love you cultivated along the way.
In his 99 years, Elmer witnessed a century of change, yet remained constant in what mattered most — family, hard work, kindness, and love.
He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever present in the stories shared, cards played, dances remembered, and the fields that carry his legacy forward.
The family would like to recognize the compassionate care provided by the nurses and staff at both Northumberland hills hospital and Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre during Elmer’s last days. Also, a heartfelt thank you to the home care support team and Dr. Mulé for the exceptional care and support they provided to both Elmer and Evelyn.
Friends are invited to call at the MacCoubrey Funeral Home, 30 King St., E., Cobourg on Friday February 27th from 4:00pm-7:00pm and Saturday February 28th from 12:00pm – 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the Grills family kindly asks that friends and family consider donating to Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre or to the Centreton Cemetery.
Waiting at the gates to greet him will be his beloved dog Sparky. Rest in peace, Elmer. Your memory will forever live on in our hearts.
Evelyn and family sorry to hear of Elmer's passing. My condolences.
Evelyn, Larry, Barry, and families. We are so sorry to hear of Elmers passing. Elmer always had a smile to share with anyone who passed by him. What a blessing you were able to cherish Elmer for many, many years. Your memories will always bring you joy. Treasure them daily. Our deepest condolences. Rob and Kathy
Thoughts and prayers with Elmer today.
Evelyn & family. I was so sorry to hear about Elmer passing away. Please accept my deepest condolences at this difficult time.
Sorry for your loss Grill's family.
Condolences Evelyn Larry and Barry Our community has lost a beloved neighbour
Our deepest condolences to all the family for your loss. May you cherish all your wonderful memories.
To Evelyn and family our condolences.
My sincerest condolences to you Evelyn, Larry and Barry. I will always remember Elmer as a very kind and gentle man.
DearEvelyn....so very sorry to hear of Elmers passing...my sincere condolences
Evelyn and all family. my condolences to you at the loss of Elmer. Elmer will be missed by all, always a pleasant smile, quick wit and firm in his resolve. Elmer with you carried on the hardworking life of his and your parents.
Evelyn, Larry and Barry. I was saddened to learn of Elmer’s passing. I thought of him often and you too Evelyn, as I passed by the farm. You as a couple set a wonderful example of living actively well into your 90s. Please accept my sympathies.
Evelyn and family..my heartfelt sympathy to all of you in the loss of Elmer . A pillar of the community , a great neighbour and a proud family man . Thinking of all of you ❤️
My condolence to all the families sons daughters, grandkids and wife. May he rest in peace and may God be with you all.🙏🙏🙏❤️
Evelyn, Larry & Barry. Our deepest heart felt condolences from the both of us, and Mom. I remember the story my Dad told me. Dad saw this person walking across the field ( which was a long way in the snow )and came into the barn and introduced himself. My name is Elmer Grills and I live on a dairy farm down the road and I was wondering if Dad was hiring. Elmer worked for Dad. They became great friends, and still remain. We loved the time I got to spend with Elmer and Evelyn last fall. He will be missed but never forgotten. Love Jeff & Anita Taylor.
To the Grills family,sorry for your loss, I'm sure you'll treasure the memories, take care.
Words can not express the loss of Elmer.. I always looked forward to seeing him at the Friday night meals and have fond memories of playing euchre over the years. Thank you Evelyn for calling us yesterday to let us know. He will be missed
Sending sincere condolences to the Gill family. Our thought and prayers are with you at this difficult time
So sad to hear of Elmer's passing. I'm sure going to miss him when they came to the Grafton Legion for supper. Going to miss that great smile and the kiss on the cheek. RIP my dear friend.
Barry & Family Sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories when your almost 99 there’s wonderful memories Condolences Eva
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Centreton Union Cemetery
Evelyn, I am so sorry you have lost Elmer. I have so many memories of the two of you as our McBride family’s neighbours and your dedication to the community. Take good care.
We are so sorry to hear about Elmer. So many great memories of him playing cards at Fenella hall. Please know we are thinking about you all during this sad and difficult time.
Our deepest condolences, Evelyn, Larry, Barry and Families, on the passing of Elmer. We always enjoyed our chats when our paths crossed and Elmer always had a smile for everyone he met. Take Care.
Evelyn, Larry, Barry & families: So sorry to hear Elmer has passed away. He will be remembered by all who knew him. He lived a long & full life doing what he loved most. Our thoughts are with all of you at this sad time.
Sincere condolences to Evelyn and family. I will remember him as a true gentleman with a big smile and a great euchre player.
We have know Elmer for a great many years He was always the same and made you feel welcome and at home. he enjoyed his card games and music he will be missed by all ..
Evelyn, I am so sorry to hear of Elmer's passing. He was a great person and I so enjoyed the cards games we played. He is now at peace and his suffering is over. Deepest sympathy. Stay strong.. Will see you soon. Hugs. RIP Elmer.
Dear Ella I am sincerely sorry to hear of your brother passing. Jackie and Jackie Russell
Condolences to the family of Elmer always the Gentleman..Mary and Bev
Evelyn & family So sorry to hear of Ellmers passing he was a great guy at the dances in Port Hope our thoughts are with you at this time Bill & Pat