It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at the age of 91.
Ernie is predeceased by his wife Janet of 60 years, parents Alexander and Violet, siblings Freddie and Joyce. He leaves to cherish his memory sons Tim (Terry), Dan, and David (Bonnie). Grandchildren Cory (Lisa), Trevor (Janelle), Rhianna (Chris), Chloe, and Tessa. Great Grandchildren Celina (Alex), Isabella, Brennen, Cullen, Wyatt, Christopher and Teresa. He will be fondly remembered by his sisters Jean and Gail, special cousin Ruth and many other extended family members and friends.
Ernie was born in Selkirk and spent parts of his early life living in Birch Point and later Winnipeg. In 1956 Ernie married the love of his life Janet Pauline and in addition to Winnipeg they spent time living in Brandon and then retired to an acreage in Meleb, Manitoba for over 20 years. Ernie worked for the CP Police for 33 years retiring in 1988.
Growing up Ernie was an avid baseball player. He was a pitcher for the West Kildonan Grey’s and later for the CP team in Brandon. Ernie had an immense love for nature and animals. He was happiest when he was driving the countryside, bird watching, and feeding his “pet” fox and numerous deer. As a child Ernie spent many summers living with his grandmother and other relatives on Matheson Island and traveling up North with his dad for work. One-year Ernie brought home a young wolf that he wanted to raise as a pet. It spent some time in the family’s West Kildonan backyard until it was taken to the Winnipeg Zoo to be cared for. In his later years, Ernie could often be found sharing and educating his children and grandchildren on his love of nature and animals.
Ernie was hard working by nature and always liked to be busy. He was always the first to lend a helping hand when needed willing to share his knowledge and skills sometimes helping and sometimes hindering. A few of the many thing’s dad will be remembered for are his impromptu visits, love of pie and instant coffee, and the impression he left on anyone he met. He truly had a way of making everyone he met feel special and cared for. He brought a smile and laugh to all.
Dad / Grandpa thank you for your unwavering love and dedication to your family and friends. We will miss you every day and keep you tucked safely in our hearts forever.
In keeping with Dads wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date. The family would like to extend a huge thank you to the staff at Red River Place Personal Care Home in Selkirk for the care and compassion they showed dad during his last few months. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of one’s choice are welcomed.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Ernest’s memorial page by using the comment field below.
I had the privilege of working with Ernie during my first 10 years of policing. Ernie was always supportive and friendly. Rest in peace.💐
Danny, Corey,Trevor and extended family. Condolences on the passing of your dad and grandpa.
It was a profound pleasure to have worked with Ernie at the CP Police for ten years. He was a gentleman and my dear friend. R.I.P.
Don Tymko
My deepest sympathy to all the family. I am very sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Ernie.
Im sharing in your sadness and loss of your father. Ernie was a very special friend and partner in everything. Together, we went hunting, fishing, golfing, cross country skiing or just took in the sights and sounds of nature.
I met Ernie 63 years ago when we had moved to Ross Ave and he lived across the backlane from me on Roy ave. We had some very funny moments when we went hunting. One time, when we were bow hunting for deer, near a dugout, about mile from the cottage.. There was only 1 tree with 2 limbs so we climbed up about 15-20 feet and we made a makeshift stand so we could sit. On the other end of the pond, there was one scrawny tree that we couldn’t climb safely. We decided to trek back to the cottage to get the ladder and lean it against the tree so one of us could stand on top of it.
Ernie was up on the ladder and we heard a rustling and we thought here comes a deer.. out comes a bear! He stopped right under the ladder! Ernie kept spitting down close to the bear so he would pick up his scent and he finally caught onto the scent and took off!
This is just one of my fond memories that we shared together. You will be dearly missed, my friend. My sincerest condolences to you boys and your families.
Dolph Nobiss
My memories of Uncle Ernie and Auntie Janet are very fond and dear to me. Mostly of Saturdays when we were together enjoying a barbecue dinner of burgers. The McLeod family were an extended family to us as we spent time visiting and making memories . I enjoyed all times spent at home in the city and out at our cottage. Uncle Ernie was always full of love and laughter and kindness. One particular fond memory I have with him was at the cottage when he helped me build a man out of bark he spent half the day with me I believe this fellow still hangs on the wall at our cottage as we agreed to name him barkiller.
Thanks so much for being a wonderful friend to my dad through the years and thank you for giving such fond memories to me and my family.
My deepest sympathies to all the McLeod family
I had the pleasure of meeting Ernie a few times and even in those few meeting he was the type of person who left an impression of such a kind soul. May he rest in peace.
Our condolences to the family and friends of Ernie. Such a lovely lovely man. Anytime I happened to be with Terry and we popped by their home, or stayed at their place in Fraserwood, both he and Jan treated us like family. Always a hug available!!
Will always remember their kindness…..
Sincerely, Doug and Dale Schenk
My condolences to Janet and family of your loss of a great fellow , my memories of Ernie were his visits to Loon Straits in the summer where we would go fishing along the shore in early mornings as kids he could catch fish where no one ever thought of fishing I can still smell his pipe tobacco along those fishing adventures And him letting me drive his Rambler Lark! One of the first vehicles I ever drove good memory rest in peace.