ERNEST ALFRED ROBERTS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ERNEST ALFRED ROBERTS July 8, 1913 - September 11, 2015 Alf was born at home in Craik, SK, the eldest son of William and Mary. Alf's earliest years were spent homesteading in the Ashville/Gilbert Plains area of Manitoba. He later moved with his parents to the St. James area of Winnipeg. By the time he was 18, he was the primary breadwinner for his parents and three siblings. His jobs included Winnipeg Free Press paper boy, selling and delivering baked goods by horse and wagon for a Winnipeg bakery, and a newsy' on the Winnipeg-Regina run of the railway. In 1940, he and the love of his life, Elsie, moved north to Sherridon. The next 60 years were full of Northern adventures. He managed and eventually purchased the jewellery store in Sherridon, then moved his family of five and the business with most of the rest of the town, to Lynn Lake in 1953. He expanded his family by two and built up the business in the bustling town. Roberts Jewellery was the only store where you could buy a diamond ring, fine bone china, a hot water tank, get your driver's license and have your washing machine repaired all on the same day. He liked nothing more than to figure out how to repair or improve some object or situation. He left many "Alf-isms" as one of his son-in-laws called it, practical, creative but not necessarily pretty solutions to whatever needed fixing. He loved the simple pleasures of the North, especially taking long exploratory walks in the bush and picking berries. Alf had a very deep faith and love for his Lord. He lived his faith and shared it by example. He was very active in the establishment and life of the Lynn Lake Gospel Church as well as the Continental Interior Mission. He loved people and never missed an opportunity to share God's love with them. He had a gentle soul, a twinkle in his eye and was a true gentleman. In 2000, he and Elsie returned to Winnipeg and moved into the Agape Villa Apartments. They were drawn into the warm community of people who live there. He especially enjoyed going down for coffee in the morning. He had his last coffee with his mates on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 and was admitted to St. Boniface later that evening. He slipped into a coma, peacefully and gently left us in the early hours of Friday, September 11, 2015. Alf was predeceased by his parents and three siblings and his beloved son, Paul. His death has left a large empty space in the lives of his devoted wife of 75 years, Elsie; and his son Bill; his daughter-in-law Jan M., children, Megan (John) Young, Ivy, Everett, Cora; Emily (Luke) Phifer, Lucia, Declan; Molly (Ryan) Smernoff; daughter Barbara with George Swanson; son Dave with Mariann, children Melody, Jonathan (Cassie), Christy (Shaun) Sawatzky, Maria (Miles) Neufeld Zeke, Tydus, Annabel; son Ted with Jan E, children, Michael, Christopher, Sarah; daughter Ruth; daughter Mary Jo with David Matthews; and nephew Ron who lived with Alf and Elsie for many years, with Carol, children, Jeremy (Chantal) Grayson, Gavin, Joshua (Alicia). Alf also leaves to mourn several nieces and nephews as well as many dear friends. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church, 500 Lagimodiere Blvd, followed by a light luncheon. Alf's remains will be interred at a family service earlier in the day. There are so many people who touched Dad's life. A few we would like to thank are Dr. Chris Matthews with St Boniface Clinic staff, the amazing Agape Villa "family" and the hard working, caring people at St. Boniface Hospital. Donations, if so wished, may be made to the Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church, 500 Lagimodiere, R2J 4J1 (website www.wefc.net) or a charity of your choice. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 14, 2015