Ernest DELMAGE

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DELMAGE: Ernest Charles Delmage - September 2, 1917 - January 4, 2009. On Sunday, January 4th, 2009 Ernest Charles Delmage passed away peacefully with family at his side at the Minnedosa District Health Centre. Ernie is survived and sadly missed by his wife, Ruth (Kirby), son Keith (Joanne), daughters Janis (Norman Wahoski), Pamela (Ken Campbell), Valerie (Earl Wickdahl), one grandson, seven granddaughters, seven great grandsons and two great granddaughters; brothers Albert (Doreen) of Brandon and Everett (Gwen) of Ottawa, brothers and sister-in-law of England Albert and Edna Sporne, Cecil and Pamela Sandell, Jennifer and May Kirby, sister-in-law Shirley Delmage of Minnedosa, Irene of Winnipeg and Marion of Alberta and numerous nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents Simon and Alice (Lamb), brothers Raymond, Kenneth, Frederick, sister Eleanor, brothers-in-law Robert Scotland, Bob Shepherd, sister-in-law Viola (Pollon), parents-in-law Alfred and Edith (Frammingham) Will, John & Fred Kirby and sister-in-law Phyllis Meek of England. Ernie was born in the R.M. of Minto, Cameron District on September 2, 1917. He attended Cameron Consolidated School. His father began to teach him how to play the fiddle at the age of 10 and taught him many old time favorites. In later years, he and his brother, Ray played in an orchestra for dances in the district and surrounding area. At the age of 17 he left school and helped his father on the farm. He also worked on a woodlot with his Uncle Albert Lamb hauling 2 loads of wood per day to Minnedosa on sleighs. In 1936 he joined the Militia, the 12th Manitoba Dragoons in Minnedosa. After the outbreak of WWII in 1939, Ernie continued to work on the farm. In 1941 he had the opportunity to take a course at Camp Borden. In the fall of 1942 he left for overseas with the 48th Light Aid Detachment and was posted to Aldershot, England. Medals of Distinction awarded to him were 1939-45 Star- The France/Germany Star, – Defence of Britain, Canadian Volunteer Service and Clasp Victory Medal, Oak Leaf (Mentioned in Dispatches), Canadian Efficiency Medal, Canadian Decoration for Long Service. In 1943 he was stationed in Hunstanton as a Non-Commissioned Officer. It was at this time he met and married the love of his life Emma Ruth Kirby. They were married January 8th, 1944 in St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church, Sedgeford, England. After the war he returned to Canada in January 1946 and Ruth and young son, Keith followed in May of the same year. They bought his grandfather’s homestead in 1947 where they remained until 1965 when they moved to Minnedosa. From 1954 to 1961 he worked for the Department of Defence, Minto Armouries in Winnipeg attaining the rank of Captain. He commanded the Militia “A” Squadron 12th Manitoba Dragoons in Minnedosa until its closing. During the years Ernie worked at Agristeel, Minnedosa Feed Mill and then the Minnedosa Co-op. He was a Life Member of the Minnedosa Royal Canadian Legion, General Hugh Dyer Branch #138. He belonged to the Minnedosa Prince of Wales Lodge, Minnedosa United Church A.O.T.S., and member of the Rainbow Trout Association, Minnedosa Parks Board and was Parade Marshall for the Minnedosa Fun Fest for 25 years. A funeral service was held at the Minnedosa Community Conference Centre on January 9th, 2009 with Reverend Lynette Miller officiating. Eulogy was given by Reverend Elgin A. Hall. Daughters Janis, Pamela and Valerie presented poems Loving Memories and Your Journeys Just Begun. Legion Honour Guard was present and Comrade Archie Londry led the Legion Memorial Service. Pallbearers were sons-in-law Norman Wahoski, Ken Campbell, Earl Wickdahl, grandsons-in-law Gregory Hughes, Gary Doherty and Terrace Miko. Cremation has taken place with internment to follow. Minnedosa Funeral Service was in care of arrangements. Loving Memories – Author UnknownYour gentle face and patient smileWith sadness we recallYou had a kindly word for eachAnd died beloved by all.The voice is mute and stilled the heartThat loved us well and true,Oh, hard it was to finally partFrom one so good as you.You will not be forgotten, dadNor will you ever beAs long as life and memory lastThrough all eternity.We miss you now, our hearts are sore,As time goes by we’ll miss you more,Your loving smile, your gentle face,No one will ever take your place.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 21, 2009