ERNIE RIFFEL

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ERNIE RIFFEL December 12, 1931 - August 20, 2010 Peacefully, with his family by his side, Ernie passed away at St. Boniface Hospital on August 20, 2010. He is survived and will be terribly missed by his loving wife and best friend, Joan, his children Karen Colquhoun (Mike), Glen (Pat) and Lynn Lewis (Doug). His grandchildren Melissa, Cameron (Gale), Michelle (Elliot), Matthew (Danielle), Stephanie (Cory), Scott, Taylor, Brett and great-grandson Justin will miss the best grandpa in the world! He is also survived by his sisters Edna, Ruth, Elsie, Joy and Jean, his brother George (Verna), in-laws Betty (Allan), Claudia and lots of nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Dick, in-laws, great-grandsons Nathan and Ethan and many other family members. Dad was born December 12, 1931 in Runnymede, SK. Dad has known Mom all his life as both of their families were very good friends. They were married on July 3, 1954 and celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Dad worked at Fort Garry (Molson's) Brewery and enjoyed working there for 38 years. Dad was very thrilled to become a dad but his life was complete when he became a grandpa and papa. Family was the most important part of his life. Friends were also very important and he made them wherever he went. He has many lifelong friends as well as friends from West Kildonan Seniors Curling Club, Garden City Mall walking, our Spruce Bay cottage, Molson's, neighbours and our church. He loved a good card game and entertaining friends for dinner. Dad enjoyed travelling but was most happy going north with mom to the cottage. Dad loved pranks and practical jokes followed by a good laugh. He enjoyed multiple sports, both watching and playing but his very favourite was watching his kids and grandkids play. Two weeks ago he watched a family baseball game on his scooter behind home plate at the cottage. Dad had a very strong faith and was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church. A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, August 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Thank you to all the health care providers who looked after Dad and our family. Donations in Dad's memory can be made to Grace Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 211 Kimberly Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2K 0X3.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 24, 2010