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PETER WALTER ELLIE
Born: Jun 12, 1926
Date of Passing: Aug 13, 2020
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PETER WALTER ELLIE
"What you see is what you get"
Dad was born June 12, 1926 in Winnipeg to parents, Michael and Sophie. He was one of five sons. They grew up in the town of Elphinstone and later moved to Winnipeg. He was raised in a home where both hard work and practical jokes were balanced to mould him into the gentle giant family man that he became.
After he served in the military, he began his railroad career with CNR and never looked back. He began shovelling coal in the steam engines and retired 43 years later as a locomotive engineer. His loyalty and dedication were a great example for us all.
He married the love of his life, Eugenia Mary in 1950 and was a faithful and devoted husband for 70 years. Together they built a life filled with love, adventure, goodness and grace. Their values were poured into their four children who are grateful for the privilege of having them as parents.
Dad loved their "shack in the bush" that was their passion project at McConnell Lake. As the original "MacGyver", he could construct or fix anything. They took great pride in building a cottage where family and friends would gather and enjoy one another and nature.
Mom and Dad travelled extensively, loved making new friends, and experiencing other cultures. Once the nest began to empty, they took in boarders, then began a Bed & Breakfast which allowed the world to come to them and provided new friends to nurture and love.
Dad lived with Alzheimer's for the last 12 years but always maintained his positive attitude of gratitude and never lost his sense of humour. The twinkle in his eyes remained and he could still charm not only all of us but all the dog walkers in the neighbourhood from his perch out front the house. His positive attitude proved to be a great shield from Alzheimer's as he seemed to only remember the good things.
Dad was an honourable, gentle, gregarious guy. He was loyal, devoted, compassionate, fun-loving, charming, patient...and above all, a loving Family Man.
His family legacy includes: his loving wife Eugenia; his children, Des and Karen, Teresa and Andries, Nadine and Aaron, Elisia and Dan; his grandchildren, Sage, Christina, Aaron and Sara, Vanessa and Wes, Anastasia and Jean-Paul, Whitney and Mark, Lauren and Mitch, Gareth and Julia; and his great-grandchildren, Avery, Estelle and Edward.
Cremation and family funeral have taken place. Dad's ashes will rest under the twisted oak tree at McConnell that he has been tending for the last 25 years.
And, as only Dad's farewell could be...
"I love you dearly"
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 22, 2020
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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Ellie Family I just learned of PW passing. I have the best memories of PW in Winnipeg and Florida. I was saddened to hear of your loss. He had a great sense of value and a contagious sense of humor. I can still picture him looking at me with this cheeky grin when he thought I was doing something wrong and was always willing to correct it for me. I will definitely miss this mountain of a man. He had a great family of kids and a super wife. You were all be blessed with having such a wonderful and passionate father. Always in my thoughts and prayers. Gates of St Peter will be handing you a new tool chest my sweet friend. Daryl Rindahl - Posted by: Robert Rindahl (Family friend) on: Dec 29, 2020
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I was so sorry to learn of your wonderful Dad's passing from us. I carry so many fond memories from early childhood and throughout all my years. From McConnell Lake, the Bahamas, Winnipeg and Vancouver visits, your Mum and Dad were always superstar extended family members (as are all of you). The gentle giant who always gave only heart-to-heart hugs that even my children remember. It was heart warming to see his sparkling eyes (never sure what he was up to sometimes!) and welcoming hugs when we stayed last summer. Although he and my Dad couldn't reminisce about their experiences and travels together, I'll bet they are setting Heaven abuzz with their train stories! A blessing to our lives and always in my heart. Much love and hugs, Kelly - Posted by: Kelly Kuerbig (Adopted family) on: Aug 22, 2020
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My condolences to Eugenia and the Ellie Family on Peter's (Wally's) passing. The Ellie's accepted me into the Ukrainian community when I first moved to Winnipeg and became fixtures in the lives of Linda and our children. Wally always had a smile on his face and greeted us warmly whenever we met. He lived a full exemplary life and made the best pancakes ever. He will be remembered and missed. - Posted by: Daniel Regan (Friend) on: Aug 22, 2020
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Nadine and Elisia, So sorry to learn of your father’s passing; clearly he was a character and a wonderful father. May all the memories of your dad give you and your family comfort now and always. Madeleine - Posted by: Madeleine Frost (nee: Brock) (School friend) on: Aug 22, 2020
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He was a lovely man and he will be sorely missed - Posted by: Erica Sheffield (Acquaintance) on: Aug 22, 2020