ERNEST KENNETH WALL (ERNIE)

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ERNEST KENNETH WALL
October 23, 1940 - September 24, 2021

Ernie passed away peacefully in his sleep, with his family by his side, on Friday, September 24, 2021, at Misericordia Hospital.
He is survived by his wife Jean; sons, Brad (Helena), Bryan (Judy) and daughter Beverley. The lights of his life, his grandchildren, James, Connie, Bryanna, Connor, Mason, and Morgan; his siblings, Marion (Charles), Margaret (George), Ronald (Charlene), Blaine (Val), Glen (Arlene), Edith (Keith), Norma, Norman (Donna), Lora Lee, and Barrie (Daphne); sister-in-law June; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Laura Wall; sister Anna Grace and brother Robert.
Ernie was born in Killarney, MB and grew up in Ninga, MB. He was the third oldest of 13 children, which made for large family gatherings and lots of fun times. Ernie moved to Winnipeg at the age of 16 and worked at Eaton's for a brief period, then Dominion Armature Works, which was called Westland Steel when he retired. He started as a floor sweeper and worked his way up to winding motors and eventually doing service calls. He was the VP of Operations, part owner and Director at the time of retirement.
Ernie met the love of his life, Jean, at the Winnipeg Roller Rink while roller skating. They were smitten with each other and married October 7, 1961. They lived in the West End, Elmwood and eventually purchased their first home on Parkview Street in St. James where they raised their family. Ernie and Jean spent the next (almost) 60 years together. They raised three wonderful children and have six amazing grandchildren. Ernie made the comment that if he had known having grandchildren was this much fun, he would have skipped having children. Yes, he knew one couldn't happen without the other!
In 2000, Ernie and Jean retired to their happy place, the cabin at Bird River. There are many memories, including Ernie going for a tube ride (he didn't swim), fun summers, many Christmases with all the kids and grandchildren, rides on the pontoon boat, winter week-long snowmobile trips with friends, and all the family celebrations in-between. His garage was his sanctuary where he spent many hours welding, grinding, and fixing anything and everything for people he knew or strangers who were sent by other happy customers!
They travelled to Australia, visited friends in Arizona, went on an Alaskan cruise for their 50th wedding anniversary and took a trip across Canada. Ernie had dementia for the past six years and things became more challenging in the last two years. They moved to Winnipeg in May of 2020 and Ernie was admitted to the hospital in August of 2021 as his dementia took over. He is now at peace, and we take comfort in that.
A private service with family will take place on Tuesday, October 5, 2021. Extended family and friends are invited to Beverley's home on that same day after 2:00 p.m. for an outdoor celebration to share stories and memories about Ernie. Double vaccination requirements as set out by the province are required to attend this gathering. For more information, please email the family at erniecelebrationoflife2021@gmail.com
The family would like to thank the staff from the sixth floor of the Misericordia Hospital for their care and compassion in Ernie's last days.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, alzheimer.mb.ca or Parkinson Manitoba, donate.parkinson.ca

ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Simple Cremation & Life Celebrations
204-421-5501 – EthicalDeathCare.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 02, 2021