In a world that can feel overwhelmingly harsh, Elmer Gruber was the quiet force of pure, unfiltered kindness—a 65-year-old soul whose every breath seemed dedicated to lifting others up.

On that heartbreaking morning of August 4, 2025, while pedaling his beloved bicycle, Elmer's light was extinguished in a senseless hit-and-run by a blue Ford SUV driven by Marco Antonio Velardez, who fled but was later arrested and charged. (https://hoodline.com/2025/08/moreno-valley-resident-charged-in-fatal-hit-and-run-of-bicyclist-in-loma-linda/)

Rushed to Loma Linda University Medical Center, Elmer succumbed to his injuries the following day, on August 5, 2025. Today, on October 3, 2025—nearly two months after his passing—the depth of our loss is felt acutely, yet his enduring legacy of compassion continues to inspire those who knew him.

Elmer wasn't the type to seek praise; he simply lived it. For years, this extraordinary man poured his heart into volunteering across Southern California, always at his own expense, because helping others wasn't a duty—it was his joy.

Imagine him at the VA chapel, fingers dancing over guitar strings or bass lines, his music a balm for veterans carrying invisible wounds. No fee, no fuss—just Elmer, sharing solace through song. He'd roll up his sleeves to repair bicycles for those who couldn't afford it, lay carpets in worn-out community spaces, or fix guitars for aspiring musicians with dreams but no tools. And the homeless? Elmer cooked for them from his own pantry, serving steaming plates of hope alongside stories that made them feel seen, valued, human again—often side by side with his girlfriend Tennie, a fellow VA music group friend whom he lovingly encouraged to learn instruments, providing steady companionship as they served together.

His kindness echoed through the places he loved most: strumming hymns at Pomona Valley Christian Center, uplifting congregations at Purpose Church in Pomona, resonating with faith at Echoes of Faith in Ontario, and finding deep connection at Coopers Church—the spiritual home he cherished in his final days.

Once a fearless mountain climber, conquering peaks that humbled lesser souls, Elmer later channeled that same bold spirit into acts of everyday mercy—scaling emotional mountains for anyone in need.

On Facebook's "Prayer at the Ark" group, friends like Steve White, who once shared a home with him, flooded the page with prayers after the accident, calling Elmer "a brother to the broken, a light in the dark." They weren't wrong. Elmer's goodness wasn't loud; it was profound, rippling through lives from Pomona to Loma Linda like a melody that lingers long after the last note.

As his devoted sister, I've been humbled by the outpouring of love for Elmer—from the communities he served to strangers moved by his story. Now, to honor that boundless kindness, we must handle the final arrangements with the dignity he extended to all.

Elmer's remains are tenderly cared for at Snyder Care Center in Loma Linda (https://www.snyderscarecenter.com/) , where the compassionate Jon Snyder has guided us with such grace and understanding during this unimaginable time. A heartfelt thank you to Jon Snyder for his unwavering support and kindness—it's a testament to the very spirit Elmer embodied.

Yet, the path forward is steep. I need your help to raise $4,000, ensuring Elmer's farewell reflects the beauty he brought to the world. Funds will cover:

Your gift—$10 to echo a meal he shared, $50 for a chord he strummed, $100 to climb a prayer in his honor—makes this tribute possible.

Elmer gave without measure, his kindness a gift that keeps giving. In that same selfless vein, I humbly ask you to join us. Donate what your heart allows, share this page far and wide, and let's show the world that one man's goodness can inspire a thousand acts of grace.

With endless gratitude for Elmer's light,

Diane Sandland