Obituary of Elaine Berard
Vera Elaine Berard (née Tomkins), age 78, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2025. Born May 4, 1947, in Saltcoats, Saskatchewan, Elaine was the beloved daughter of Ralph and Vera (Tatton) Tomkins. She grew up on the family’s mixed farming operation, where she learned the values of hard work and perseverance. From an early age, she worked alongside her mother—cooking, gardening, doing laundry without modern conveniences, and tending to the daily demands of farm life.
Elaine cherished the simple joys of childhood on the prairies: new baby animals in the spring, school picnics, the Saltcoats Fair, and Sunday visits with friends and neighbors. She began her education at the one-room Castleton School and continued school in Saltcoats where she developed a love for art, reading, and sports like shot put, javelin, and high jump.
Elaine’s early working years began in Langenburg at an appliance store, where she met the love of her life, Gerald Marc Berard. They were married on December 18, 1965, and together built a life through moves to Brandon, Virden, Carlyle, and finally back to Saltcoats. They raised two children, Lorilie Berard and Aaron Berard Though times were often tough, their determination and love for one another carried them through.
Gerry became a successful trucking entrepreneur, and Elaine supported the business by driving truck, doing the bookkeeping, and driving a school bus for the Yorkton School Division for 25 years—always ensuring her students made it to school safely and on time.
Elaine was deeply creative and artistic. Many of her paintings were displayed at the Godfrey Dean Centre, in Yorkton, which she was very proud of. She poured her heart into painting, drawing, flower arranging, and sewing, sharing her talents generously with others. After Gerry’s passing in 1998, she found love again with Herb Elder, whom she married on July 5, 2003. Together, they enjoyed camping, quadding, and traveling—especially cruising—creating beautiful memories in their later years.
Elaine’s kindness, strength, and unwavering love touched all who knew her. She will be remembered for her generous spirit, her artistic soul, and the joy she brought to those around her.
Elaine is predeceased by her parents, Ralph and Vera Tomkins, and her first husband, Gerald Berard. She is survived by her loving husband, Herb Elder, her children, Lorilie Berard and Aaron (Julie) Berard; stepson, John Elder; grandchildren, Cheyenne Miller, Chandler Berard, Richmond Berard, and Nolan Berard; siblings, Jim (Elaine) Tomkins, Jean (Don) Verhelst, Grace (Doug) Ward, and Byron (Michelle) Tomkins; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service was held on Monday, June 30, 2025 from the Saltcoats Town Hall, Saltcoats, Saskatchewan. Lunch followed the service. Interment followed in the Saltcoats Cemetery.
Elaine’s legacy of love and creativity will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Saskatchewan, 301 – 2550 12th Avenue, Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 3X1 or a charity of choice as gifts of remembrance.
