ERNEST WELHAM

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ERNEST WELHAM November 14, 1926 May 15, 2008 Suddenly, but peacefully after a brief illness, Ernest, aged 81 years passed away at the Selkirk General Hospital. He is survived by his loving wife, Helen; his son David (Mary Anne) and his special granddaughters, Emma and Katie. He also leaves to mourn, his sister Dulcie Onske and her family, the Lloyd family and the Grieve family. On Helen's side of the family is her sister, Margaret; brothers Don, Lawrence (Betty), Mel (Elsie); sister-in-law Mary Solar and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, Edith and Reg Welham, his sisters Winnie Grieve and Betty Lloyd, and his dear daughter Kathy, whom he missed so very much. Ernest was born in Selkirk, MB and lived here all his life. At a young age he started working in the steel foundry now known as Amsco. He worked there before joining the army in 1944. After the war he returned to the foundry working as a metallurgist and later as melting foreman. After leaving there in 1984 he had several other interesting jobs which involved some traveling and he made many new friends. He retired at 65 and started on the long list of jobs Helen had lined up, plus part time driving for the Selkirk G.M. garage which he really enjoyed. The garage was a favourite place of his and staff and employees were good friends. He was a member of the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans, Branch 151 for over 56 years and the Royal Canadian Legion, branch 42 for nearly 25 years and the legion over 60 club. Ernest was an active member of Christ Church and held various positions, rectors warden, vestry, choir and willing to help in any way he could, even helping Helen polish the communion vessels. Ernest married Helen Solar in 1951 and they shared a happy married life. He was an uncle and friend to many in his community and enjoyed life to the fullest. He had many hobbies and was always doing something in the yard, garden and house. He loved to repair and work on bicycles. He was our MR. FIX-IT and we will miss that so much. He loved to spend hours talking to neighbours and the trips with Selkirk Travel to the states were great fun when he entertained everyone with his jokes and humour. We would like to extend our thanks to the doctors and nursing staff at the Selkirk General Hospital for their great care. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at Christ Church, 227 McLean Ave., on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. with The Rev. Brad Elliott officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Christ Church Building Fund, 227 McLean Ave., Selkirk, MB, R1A 0T7 or Selkirk and District Community Foundation, Box 400, Selkirk, MB, R1A 2B3 Thank you, Poppa, for driving us everywhere. Thank you for your funny jokes and nice sense of humour. Thank you for being loving and caring to everyone. Thank you for being a loving grandfather to Katie and me. Thank you for being a great father-in-law to mom, A great dad to dad and auntie Kathy and Thank you for being a loving husband to grandma. We'll miss you, Poppa. - Love, Emma and Katie Ernest you will be sadly and terribly missed. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 17, 2008