Bill Ernst passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, December 7, 2008, with his daughter, son-in-law & 2 grandsons by his side after a long & courageous battle with cancer. He was 79 years old.
Bill was born May 15, 1929 in Humboldt, Saskatchewan. Most of his adult life was spent doing what he loved most, driving truck. Bill (or Arnold, Arnie or “Shorty” as he was known to many of his truck driving friends) travelled from one end of Canada to the other & saw much of the USA as well. Dad had a gift for entertaining whoever would listen to his many tales from his days spent on the road, although he was also known for “enhancing” many of those same stories. His sense of humour stayed with him to the end.
Bill is survived by his 2 daughters; Ann Hanson (Kevin), Catherine (Cathy) Ernst (Mike Schram); & his 2 sons Maxwell (Max) Ernest (Gail) & Rodney Ernest (Jean), grandchildren; Dallas & Shane, Dean & Ashley, Seann & Melissa & Jason, Tajia & Nachelle, Airen & Jarod, great-grandchildren; Aimee & Katey, Mercedes & Trinity, Emily, Kalista & Lily, & by his wife Patricia (Pat) & his brother Allen Ernest.
He was predeceased by his mother Theresa Head in 1998, his step-father Donald Head in 1974 & his father William Ernest in 1943.
Bill’s family would like to thank Dr. Hirst & Dr. Bull for their care & compassion for dad over these past 4 & half years. The family would especially like to thank all the truly wonderful, caring & compassionate staff at Cascade Lodge for making Bill’s last 4 years as comfortable as possible.
Memorial service to be held Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 3:00 pm at
Christ Lutheran Church, 9460 Charles St., Chilliwack, Pastor Dean Andersen officiating. Please join the family following the service for coffee & refreshments & a time to share memories of Bill.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated.
Please visit: www.mem.com to share a memory or leave your online condolences.
Dad will always be loved & remembered by those who loved him!