Elmer Stabler inspires community at St. Joseph’s Home through care and action
August 21, 2025
By Marypaula Okpara, marketing and communications student
Elmer Stabler isn’t just a familiar face at St. Joseph’s Home, a Covenant Health Centre in Medicine Hat. He’s a force for advocacy.
“If I see something in the paper that I think the residents will enjoy, we try to make it happen,” says Elmer, 89.
Elmer first became part of the St. Joseph’s community as a volunteer. After more than a decade of contributing his time, he now lives on-site and continues to pour himself into daily life at the centre, bringing joy to other residents. His story is an example of care and of passion for advocacy for others.
At St. Joseph’s Home, it’s hard to find someone who hasn’t been impacted by Elmer’s generosity, says Ryan Wiest, site administrator.
“Elmer isn’t just a resident; he’s my eyes and ears when I’m not around,” says Ryan. “He lets me know what people need and helps make it happen.”
Elmer’s impact at St. Joseph’s can be found everywhere, says Ryan. He sits on the community board and is one of the only board members who is also a resident. He continues to advocate for updates to the facility, like improved roofing or new benches in the Stations Park, and often helps raise or donate the funds to make them possible. His most recent initiative? Rallying board members and donors to help replace a decades-old pool table used by residents to socialize and unwind.
Elmer says he enjoys keeping a handwritten daily event board in the dining area, where he posts planned activities and sometimes a light-hearted joke or motivational quote to brighten residents’ mornings. It's a gesture that reflects his commitment to keeping others informed about fun activities, making everyone feel included and motivated.
Elmer Stabler often posts messages on the event board to lift people up and brighten their day.
“Elmer doesn’t wait for someone else to make things happen,” says Ryan. “He sees a need, and he acts.”
Elmer also serves as a quiet motivator, Ryan says. When there’s music or an activity happening, he’ll walk around and personally invite residents to join. He knows the importance of staying engaged, and staff say his efforts to pull others out of isolation make a visible difference.
"I’ve had friends come in, and they can’t believe how this place operates," says Elmer. “They expect it to be quiet or somber. But there’s laughter here, music, connection.”
Elmer says his favourite thing about living at St. Joseph’s is enjoying the rich history and community he finds there.
One of Elmer’s proudest achievements is organizing seasonal trolley rides for residents, trips around town to take in the fall colours, Christmas lights or scenic sights. It started with a newspaper clipping he brought to Ryan and quickly became a tradition.
“We’ve had patients who went on that trolley ride and passed away a week later,” Ryan says. “Thanks to Elmer, they had that memory.”
From encouraging other residents to attend events to handing out chocolates at Christmas and checking on people he hasn’t seen in a while, Elmer provides care that is both practical and personal. With fewer youngsters stepping into volunteer roles, he leads by example by encouraging people of all ages to get involved.
“You’re never too old, or too young, to volunteer,” says Elmer. “You just have to get out and do it. You’ll feel younger and better about yourself.”
Elmer has raised funds for new benches in the Stations Park.