On Sunday August 13, 2006, Ernie, former Merchant Marine and Ancient Mariner, sailed gently into the night. Ernie was born in Dartmouth Nova Scotia on June 23, 1921. As a young man he joined the Merchant Navy and served on the convoys during the Second World War. On one voyage to Ioco, BC he met his future wife Pat and they were married on September 18, 1948. Ernie & Pat moved to Nanaimo in 1951 where Ernie worked for Nanaimo Towing, before starting his lifelong career in Tire Retail. In 1971 he moved to Ladysmith with his wife and son. He retired at 73 from Highway Tire in Duncan. Ernie had a great sense of humour and loved a good story. He was known for his never-ending supply of jokes. He was a dedicated family man who enjoyed get togethers for barbecues at his son’s house and spending time with his grandchildren. Ernie was a great gardener and was known to grow vegetables so enormous that he would have to call in a large transport truck to move them from garden to kitchen! He will be greatly missed by his loving wife Pat, son Jim (Lynn) Lantzville, Grandson, Chad, Vancouver, Grand-daughter Rebecca (Richard) Inverness, Scotland & the stars of his life, his two great-grandchildren Sienna & Cruz. He will be also missed by his Brother Frank (Beth) Calgary and his sister Juanita, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, mother in law Molly Nicol, sister in laws, Ashala, & Olive. Plus numerous nieces and nephews and his many friends and neighbours, and his Ancient Mariners where he looked forward to their monthly meetings.
There will be a Celebration of Ernie’s life which will take place at his son’s home at 7002 Aulds Road, Lantzville from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday August 20, 2006..
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Nanaimo Hospital Foundation for the new Maternal & Prenatal Wing.