ERNEST EDWIN ROBERTSON

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ERNEST EDWIN ROBERTSON April 16, 1916 - January 25, 2011 Peacefully, at age 94 Ernie Robertson, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away following a courageous struggle at Deer Lodge Centre surrounded by his family. He will be sadly missed by his children Jane McKee (David), Vicki Burns (John), Peter (Marianne) and Ian (Lisa) and special niece Lorri Robertson (Mayer). Predeceased by his wife of 68 years Patsy, son Jimmy, daughter Jacqueline, two sisters and five brothers. Ernie was the proud patriarch of a large and loving family with ten grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren and dozens of nieces and nephews. Ernie attended the Royal Military College of Canada and graduated from the University of Toronto as a Professional Engineer. He undertook pilot training before joining the Navy during the Second World War and served on the HMS Eagle, an aircraft carrier which was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea, being discharged as Commander. Following the war, he worked on the Dewline as assistant to the president of the Foundation Company of Canada then moved to Winnipeg to join the Winnipeg Supply and Fuel Company (his father was one of the founders of this firm in 1903). Ernie was ahead of his time in so many ways - he returned to university to obtain an MBA in 1970, becoming a passionate advocate for renewable energy and founding the Biomass Energy Institute in 1971. He was a founding member of the Solar Energy Society of Canada in 1973. He was recognized for his accomplishments and for his many contributions and influence in the area of solar research, renewable energy and industrial development. Ernie donated time and financial support to many charities and service organizations. Following retirement, Ernie and Patsy spent many happy years wintering in Florida at Maple Leaf Estates and summers at Balsam Bay. Ernie had great energy, always had projects on the go and a wonderful sense of humour. He taught us the greatest lesson in love and loyalty by his devotion to Patsy in her declining years. His was a full life - well lived. The family thanks all the homecare workers and the staff of T6 at the Deer Lodge Centre for their excellent and compassionate care. A private family memorial has been held. Interment will follow in the family plot at Milton, Ontario in May. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ernie's memory to Siloam Mission, 300 Princess St., Winnipeg, R3B 1M3 or the Alzheimer Society, 120 Donald St., Winnipeg, R3C 4G2.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 29, 2011