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Jun 16, 1939 - Feb 28, 2018
Ernie passed away very peacefully at Kiwanis Lodge in Nanaimo on February 28th, 2018. Ernie was born on June 16th, 1939 in Big River, Saskatchewan. 

He leaves behind his two daughters Andrea (Gus) and Alison, two granddaughters (Jordyn and Taryn), and two grand stepsons (Errol and Garrett). 

He is also survived by the mother of his children, Joyce; his sister Gertrude and brother Heinrich and many extended family members. He was predeceased by parents Heinrich (1938) and Marianne (1982); brother Reinhold (2002) and son-in-law, Dale (2010). He will be missed immensely by countless friends and family. 

Ernie left Saskatchewan in 1965 and settled in Port Alberni BC, where he and Joyce raised their young family.  Most of his career was spent in various roles with MacMillan Bloedel. In his younger years, Ernie was an avid sports fisherman who spent most of his free time on the water, enjoying regular trips to the cabin with his large group of friends. Ernie was a lapidary enthusiast for the past 30 years and belonged to various rock and gem clubs and faceting guilds; he was always creating a new masterpiece. 

He was a master at conversation and enjoyed nothing more than a good solid visit with any one that wished to participate. He was a character, with a personality larger than life and was always the star of the party. Funny as they come, he always had a smirk on his face, a twinkle in his eye, and was always one step ahead with a witty comeback or joke. 

His family wishes to extend a huge thank you to the amazing staff at Kiwanis Lodge for the exceptional care they provided during Ernie's residency there, with special thanks to his primary nurses; Krystelle, Heidi and Rebecca and to Dr. Stuart Ockelford, his GP Dr. Jonathan Bland and to the caring staff at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and West Coast General Hospital.

A celebration of Ernie's life will be held at a Sands Funeral Home, 1 Newcastle Avenue, Nanaimo BC, on Saturday, on April 14th at 1 pm.  

Everyone is welcome to join. 
 Sands Funeral Chapel



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