ERNIE KOKORUDZ

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ERNIE KOKORUDZ

JANUARY 4, 1940 – JUNE 4, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ernest John Kokorudz, lovingly known as Ernie, at the age of 85 years on June 4, 2025. Ernie was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. Left to cherish and celebrate his memory are his children Todd (Diana), Shauna, and Leanne, along with his adored grandchildren Brendan (Cassidy), Ryan (Mikayla), Daralee, and Kylie. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Carol, his parents Anne and John Kokorudz, his brother Jerry Kokorudz, his sister Cecelia, and brother-in-law Maurice Massart.

Ernie grew up in various places throughout Manitoba. He made his way to Toronto where he met and married his wife Carol in 1964. He brought his young family back west to farm in Decker, Manitoba. After several years of farming, looking for their next adventure Carol and Ernie decided to move their family to Brandon Manitoba, where Ernie owned and operated Dew Landscaping, Snow City Leisure, as well along with his wife the Brandon Boarding Kennels. Entrepreneurship was a part of Ernie’s DNA. Through the years he showed by example to his kids the importance of facing a challenge head-on and building something from the ground up. He proudly would point out every tree he planted or street he helped revitalize throughout Brandon.

Ernie had a great sense of humour, and you could find him chuckling often about something he thought was funny. He loved all sports, and he was the master of armchair sports commentary for every sport he watched. He definitely was way more entertaining and used spicier words than the on-air folks. Ernie coached hockey in the Brandon minor hockey league when his son was a young hockey player. Family was extremely important to him, both his own and his extended family. Ernie was very proud of his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. His pride and love were evident to all who knew him. Beneath his sometimes gruff exterior, Ernie had a big heart full of love and generosity.

Ernie showed his family through his many actions what it means to truly be a really, really good man. He wasn’t shy to speak his mind, however, he was never shy to lend a hand to whoever needed it whenever they needed it. His sense of humour, his love for his family and friends, his strength, his ballsy spirit, and his humbleness in all that he accomplished throughout his life will be deeply and sadly missed.

At Ernie’s request, cremation has taken place, and a private family graveside service in Brandon will be held.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Monday, July 28, 2025, starting at 12:30 p.m. taking place at Memories Chapel, 330 18th Street North, Brandon, MB.

In lieu of flowers, if family and friends so desire please plant a small tree or shrub, hang a flowering basket, or place a pot of African Violets on your windowsill in Ernie’s memory.

Ernie’s enduring spirit and laughter will forever remain in our hearts.

Condolences: www.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 21, 2025