Born in Vanderhoof to Francis and Alva Micks, Elmer was the second of five children. As a child, he lived at the Dog Creek Roadhouse (Located between Vanderhoof and Fort. St. James) and out in the Greer Valley, south of Vanderhoof. Growing up near Rich Hodson's ranch, lead to his lifelong love of history. As a young man he worked at the CM&S Mine at Pinche Lake. Called to join the army during World War II, he never saw combat as he became ill and was given a medical discharge in 1943. Returning to Northern BC, Elmer went into the logging industry in 亚洲天堂 Lake before moving to Terrace to log the coastal cedar. In 1971, Elmer was featured on the cover of the BC Lumberman magazine falling love of those big trees. When he retired from logging, Elmer turned his attention to taking care of the birds and squirrels that made his yard their home.

Elmer was predeceased by his partner, Eileen in 2006, his father in 1970, his mother in 1987, and his brother Ernie in 1986. He is survived by his sister, Doris of Kelowna, his brother Graham of 亚洲天堂 Lake, his Aunt Pearl Reynolds of Penticton as well as nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and nephews and Eileen's family members.