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ERNEST CHARLES JAMES  Obituary pic

ERNEST CHARLES JAMES

Born: Dec 07, 1940

Date of Passing: May 24, 2012

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ERNEST CHARLES JAMES With sad hearts, we announce the passing of Ernest Charles James (Chmelnytski) on May 24, 2012. He is survived by his mother, Pauline Symchuk; daughter Lesley Larsen and her children Chelsea (Darrell) and Ryan; son Michael (Keri) and their sons Alexander and Jasper; daughter Shawnne James and her daughter Kaydence; ex-wife Lynda Williams; brother Brian; sisters Caroline, Valerie, Sheila, and Livia. He was predeceased by his father Peter Chmelnytski. Ernie was born December 7, 1940 in Winnipeg. In his youth, he lived in Lowlands and Teulon before moving back to Winnipeg where he attended Sisler High School. He served eight years in the Military Police Reserves earning the distinguished Crossed Rifles and Crown. In the late 1960s he moved to British Columbia and worked in lumber mills, restaurants and as an artist. One of his favourite jobs was transporting animals across Canada for Al Oeming and the Alberta Game Farm with his cousin Ed Wickstrom. Before moving back to Winnipeg in the early 1980s, Ernie lost his hearing as a victim of a violent robbery. Ernie was a generous person who always had a smile and a joke, often using his cane as a prop. He was a talented artist, enjoying photographing and painting nature scenes. He collected many things but especially treasured books and magazines about art, nature, geology and astronomy. Going for road trips with his family was a favourite activity. Whether it was to the family homestead in Lowland, prospecting for rocks or going to Brandon or Kenora for coffee, he enjoyed getting out on the highway and exploring. Thanks to Ruth Anne at W.R.H.A., Catherine at Age and Opportunity and Dr. Bennigan at Access. A graveside service will be held by Rev. Doug Martindale on Saturday, July 21 at 11:00 a.m. at Lowlands cemetery. Ernie loved white daisies and requested they be the only flower at his funeral. For information on directions please call Michael at 204-792-6586.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 14, 2012

Condolences & Memories (2 entries)

  • Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the service for Ernie. I would like to extend my condolences to Ernie's family and friends. I can say without a doubt that I will never forget Ernie. He was one of those people who always had a story to tell and could make you smile every time you saw him. Eleven-Q Ernie (because it's one better than Ten-Q). God Bless. - Posted by: Katherine (Age & Opportunity) on: Jul 18, 2012

  • Yes Ernie was one of a kind. Living a very unique life. He didn't have a mean bone in his body. Every time Walter and I stepped out in New Westminster, there was Ernie. From the Pink Panther in Transcona, to B.C. our paths seemed destined to pass. And so he leaves behind Linda and family whom we call "special friends" Our hearts are with you in your loss - Posted by: Mary Pedersen (friend) on: Jul 15, 2012

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