Elmer Haigh Jr.

Elmer passed away in the early morning January 2, 2025. He was born April 22, 1938 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Elmer and Marie (Grauten) Haigh Sr.

Elmer grew up in Mount Holly, NJ – where he played varsity football, varsity baseball – he had a wicked curveball - each year was president of his high school class, and as a freshman won the state speech and debate competition in the extemporaneous category at Seton Hall University.

He attended Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. At Ursinus, in his sophomore year in the late 1950’s on a blind date, he met junior Letty Achey who loved to dance and fascinated him – and from that point onward they were destined to a lifetime together. They married in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania a week after Letty’s college graduation while Elmer was about to enter his senior year. 

During his senior year, Elmer focused on Letty, academics, two jobs, collegiate and semi-pro baseball (without pay) – in that order. His eldest child, Denise, was born in March of his senior year. His son, Eric, was born two years later. A man who chose his words carefully, his children felt his deep love and greatly respected him. 

After graduation, Elmer began working for Owens-Illinois where he rose rapidly through the corporate ranks with multiple relocations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ohio. His years at OI took him often to Europe and around the country. His final executive position, as vice president of Kimble International within OI, brought him to Toledo, Ohio. After 25 plus years with OI, Elmer was selected to be the president of Terumo USA, a Japanese company based in New Jersey and which required travel to Japan.

While the corporate world can be all demanding, Elmer always made time for his family, friends and interests. Sports brought out his competitive nature. As an adult, he played competitive tennis and bridge and enjoyed golf. He was an avid gardener and a superb chef – one of his college jobs was as a sous chef and his turkey and gravy with giblets were a high point at holidays and family gatherings. Whenever entertaining, Elmer was the chef and Letty the baker extraordinaire. 

When Elmer retired, and before his stroke that left him paralyzed for 11 years, he weekly visited and read to children in inner city schools and made gourmet meals that he served to those in need. He loved children and they him – and his grandchildren and great-grandchild held a special place in his heart. Animals too were regular companions – dogs, cats and horses especially.  Elmer and Letty loved to travel with their family and friends. One of their many adventures was their time in Italy for their  25th wedding anniversary – with their son Eric. Elmer also appreciated the arts and culture and was a longtime supporter of the arts in Toledo. He loved Toledoans - their ethnic diversity and genuineness. Despite being from New Jersey – the Garden State – Elmer thought northern Michigan had more spectacular terrain than the east coast – although until the day he died he believed New Jersey blueberries to be superior to Michigan’s. 

A heartfelt thank you and best wishes to the team at Otterbein Sunset Village (Sylvania) who provided compassionate care to Elmer, even throughout the Covid pandemic, an especially difficult time for all.

Elmer was predeceased by his parents. He leaves his loving wife Letty of 66 years, his daughter Denise Arnos (Richard), Eric Haigh, grandchildren Sarah (Haigh) and Logan Hufford, Ethan Haigh, Claire Arnos, Caroline Arnos, and great-grandchild Linden Hufford, sister June (Haigh) Ross, sister-in-law Susie Kirchner (Henry), nieces and a nephew. 

Elmer celebrated life and was present for all those around him. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Toledo Museum of Art, The Nature Conservancy or Otterbein Sunset Village. Memorial services for Elmer will be private. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elmer Haigh Jr., please visit our floral store.