ERNEST FONTAINE

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ERNEST FONTAINE The family of Ernest Eusebe Fontaine regretfully informs you of his passing on Friday, February 7, 2014 at the age of 82 years with his family at his side at HSC in Winnipeg. Ernie was well loved by all who knew him; he had a wonderful sense of joy and wonderment in every word he spoke. He was born in Pine Falls on December 12, 1931 to Martha and Tony Fontaine. He described an idyllic childhood living there with his extended family before school. He attended the Fort Alexander Residential School until he was 14 and then left to work with his father and brother until he enlisted with the Canadian Forces in 1953. Ernie served with the 2nd Battalion of the Black Watch during the Korean conflict. Korea was a beautiful country he said, he was fortunate to serve during the ceasefire. After returning he worked a couple years but decided to re-enlist with the 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry out of Edmonton. He was promoted to Lance Corporal there before being honorably released after three years. Ernie remained a proud veteran actively participating in the Canadian Legions services. Ernie spent years mining and working construction in western Canada before settling back in Manitoba, his favorite type of work overall was trapping. He recalled how peaceful the forest is. His great pride of being named the "Pie Man" came from his last employment with the Virginia Fontaine Treatment Centre where he was a cook. He was renowned for his pies. He then moved to Riverton to help Doris and her friends build the Riverton Fellowship Circle Church, and here he stayed. He said this was the best thing he ever did. Ernie loved music all his life and was a wonderful singer and guitar player. He spent many evenings entertaining with his friend Russell Collins. Ernie was a dedicated Elder and volunteer at the Riverton & District Friendship Centre. He loved to travel and his last trip to Memphis in 2013 was "good company, good fun but it was too darn hot". Ernie had a very large family. He is survived by his sister Doris Kozub (Riverton) and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He had an adoring contingent of young women who will always remember him as an example of what a man should be like, and a good deal of good friends and acquaintances. He was predeceased by his parents, Martha and Tony, his son Joey, his sisters, Edna, Evelyn and Joany, his brothers Russell and Larry. Ernie was a steady part of his families' life, always bringing joy and laughter to every day, he was very important to his nieces and nephews. Many of his friends felt as though he was family too. He was a good and loving man, a bright light in this world and he will be sadly missed. The family would like to thank the doctors and all the staff at the HSC for their wonderful care. In lieu of flowers a donation can be sent in Ernie's name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. A service will be held at the Fort Alexander RC Church on Friday, February 14 at 2:00 p.m. Second service will be given at the Riverton Fellowship Circle Church on Saturday, February 15 at 1:00 p.m. Lunch to follow after the services. Aboriginal Funeral Chapel 204-586-7700

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 12, 2014