ERNEST JOHN RICHMOND

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ERNEST JOHN RICHMOND May 9, 1910 - March 28, 2005 Peacefully, in the early morning of Monday, March 28, 2005, at the Lac du Bonnet Personal Care Home, Ernie passed away at the age of 94. Ernie was predeceased by his wife, Jessie, in 1993. Poppa , as he was so fondly called by his family, will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his son Gordon (Beverley); his daughter Shirley Augustine and his grandchildren, Kerry Augustine (Monique), Kevin Augustine (Wendy), Kristen Magas (Chris), Bruce Richmond (Kim) and Brenda Robinson (Miles). One of his greatest joys was sharing in the lives of his great-grandchildren, Tyler, Kyle, Hailey, Alyssa, Alexandra, Braydon, Samantha and Leila. Ernie was born in Blythe, ON in 1910. He spent all of his childhood and young adulthood living and working on farms in Saskatchewan. It was here he met and married his wife Jessie in 1934. In 1939 he moved his young family to Manitoba where he gave up farming and became a carpenter. In 1944 he built a house along the Winnipeg River near Lac du Bonnet and resided there until 2002 when, due to failing health, he went to live with his daughter in Bird's Hill. After Jessie's death, Ernie spent three summers travelling back to Saskatchewan to rediscover his prairie roots. He valued the many friendships he made while electioneering for the NDP and never missed an opportunity to discuss politics or current events. He never retired from working and was happiest when he was building, fixing, mending and doing things for others. Ernie entered long term extended care in Pinawa Hospital in April 2003. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Petkau for his medical care and advice over many years and to the nursing staff for their care and kindness during this time. He greatly appreciated the many acts of kindness, the cheerful messages, and the little gifts from friends who took time from their daily lives to remember him in hospital and stop in for a visit. In January 2005, Ernie became a resident in the Lac du Bonnet Personal Care Home. We express our deepest gratitude to the wonderful staff for their compassionate and loving care and for their patience and understanding during his short stay there. We are so grateful to all the health care givers, the spiritual care givers, and the palliative care volunteers who shared the vigil with us in the last days and hours of Ernie's life. At Ernie's request cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral service. It would be Ernie's wish that old friends and those whose lives he touched enjoy a cup of coffee together and share a story or two in memory of and in celebration of his life. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so desire, donations in Ernie's name may be made to NEHA Palliative Care Program. Send to NEHA Palliative Care Program, Pinawa Hospital, P.O. Box 220, Pinawa, MB R0E 1L0. Ernie believed that life was a journey and he really enjoyed the many side trips he took along the way. Now his earthly journey has ended. Fare thee well, Poppa. Believing in angels, but seeing none, you borrowed their wings, and went out to meet your saving grace at the end of the road .

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 02, 2005