ERNEST WESLEY BROWN (AKA DR. CACTI)

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ERNEST WESLEY BROWN
(AKA Dr. Cacti)
December 11, 1955 - March 24, 2019

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ernie Brown, at the age of 63, from Esophageal Cancer.
Ernie leaves behind his adoring wife Linda, and his children, Carl, Marida and Collin Brown; Charlotte (Ryan) and John Pettigrew, and granddaughter Carrie. Ernie will also be greatly missed by his devoted sister Charlotte (Valli), sister Eileen, mother-in-law Evelyn Doyle, in-laws, Steve (Cheryl) Doyle and Heather (Mario) Doyle, and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Born in Winnipeg, Ernie graduated with an honours BA from the University of Winnipeg. He met the love of his life Linda in 1982, the two reunited in 1988 and married in 1991. Ernie enjoyed a full and active life, with travels and adventures all over the world. He was a loving and supportive husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. His love of music and dancing ensured that he and Linda went dancing at every opportunity.
Experiencing a very difficult childhood instilled in him a desire to help other children in need, and so began his career in social work. He retired from the field knowing he had made a positive difference to those under his care. Throughout his life he showed tremendous bravery and resilience.
Ernie was an exceptionally talented individual with a propensity for creativity. He designed blissful gardens and created many sought-after hybrid plants. He was very gifted in photography, pottery, and oil painting, creating several masterpieces.
He had a passion for all living things, but cacti were his focus. As a young child he fell in love with cacti and became an expert on the subject. He specialized in outdoor hardy cacti and grew them for over 25 years. He enjoyed sharing his vast knowledge with the many friends he made within the gardening community and was an executive member of the Transcona Garden Club.
A Celebration of Life will be held in his honour on Saturday, April 13 at 2:00 p.m., at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, Winnipeg.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 06, 2019