ERNEST GAGNON

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ERNEST GAGNON Ernest (Ernie) Gagnon passed away very peacefully at Lakeview Lodge on November 3, 2016 in West Kelowna, BC, at the age of 73. Ernie will be dearly remembered by his loving wife, Lorette Gagnon; son Darren (Tammy) Gagnon; daughters, Suzanne Guthrie and Laura; sisters, Evelyn Parker and Lynda (Dan) Kasper; nieces, Debra Parker (John Finch) and Kristin Bowler; nephews, Trevor (Lauren) Parker and Ryan (Shawna) Bowler; grandchildren, Montana, Zach, JT, Adam, Krystina; great-nephew Braden Bowler and great-niece Lila Parker. Ernie was predeceased by his parents Arsen and Kathleen and his brother Charles Gagnon. Ernie was born on July 30, 1943 in Winnipeg. He was raised there and completed his education by achieving his Electrical Journeyman-ship before going on to earn his Master's. Ernie's goal was to own and operate an electrical business, and with hard work he did just that, starting and then running Braeside Electric Ltd. for over 30 years. Throughout his life, Ernie was a sports guy. He played football growing up and into his early adult years. He competed in weight lifting, winning the title of Manitoba Lightweight Champion in 1962. Ernie also played hockey competitively, and his old-timers' team won the COHA National Cup in 1982. He then went on to coach hockey, which he enjoyed thoroughly. Ernie was an avid golfer and enjoyed his many years as a member at Rossmere Country Club, where he was part of a group of great friends who golfed regularly. When the time came to move, Ernie transferred his membership to his nephew Trevor. They shared many good times together on and off the course. In his later years, Ernie caught the ski bug and enjoyed many trips to the mountains with friends and family. Ernie was an active and dedicated member of the Rotary Club in Winnipeg and served as president of the club for 1987 and 1988. Ernie was also active in his church, and also had the privilege of serving as Deacon of St. Saviour's Anglican Church in Winnipeg. When Ernie and Lorette met it was the beginning of a beautiful love story. They shared the same interests and zest for life. Family and friends were at the heart of their relationship. They married in 1989 at St. Saviour's Church with loved ones surrounding them in a very special ceremony. Words people use to describe them include: loving, close, supportive, dedicated, cuddly, always together, best friends. Their relationship is one to be treasured and admired. They believed in and supported each other and their dreams. They built a beautiful life together and created wonderful memories that will live on forever. After retiring in 2001, Ernie's dream of spending his retirement years in British Columbia came true. Ernie and Lorette moved to Westbank (now West Kelowna) on September 12, 2005, and found their little piece of heaven at Sun Village. They quickly made good friends and strong connections with their fellow "Village People." Ernie became involved with the Men's Loonie Golf group who golfed together weekly. It was a close group, and they welcomed Ernie to the group with open arms. Ernie and Lorette attended and hosted many dinners, brunches, and the ever-popular happy hour in Sun Village. They shared many laughs and created wonderful memories with their dear friends. Ernie cherished every moment of these treasured years as part of the Sun Village family. Family was very important to Ernie. He was very proud of his children and thoroughly enjoyed being a grandpa to Montana and Zach. He would talk often of their achievements and always looked forward to visits and special phone calls. When Ernie met and married Lorette, he became part of another large family who came to love him as one of their own. Many wonderful times were spent together, and they shared a special bond. Everyone who connected with Ernie, however briefly, felt what a kind, generous, and caring man he was. Ernie was a man with strong convictions and incredible determination. When he put his mind to something he accomplished it, and he did so with integrity. He loved life and enjoyed each day to the fullest, always rising early so he could get in as much of every day as he possibly could. A celebration of Ernie's life will be scheduled in Winnipeg, in December at Rossmere Golf and Country Club, date and time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Parkinson's Society (www.parkinson.ca). The family would like to thank the management and all the special caregivers at Sunnyside in Lakeview Lodge. The care that was provided to Ernie during his stay was second to none. They showed great love and compassion. The family is very thankful for this wonderful group of people. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077. Springfield Funeral Home 2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC V1Y 5V8

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 07, 2016