We Remember

POITRAS, ‘Ernie’

July 25, 1940 — July 17, 2025

Joseph Ernest Louis

Ernie was born on July 25, 1940, in Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan and peacefully passed away just short of his 85th birthday, on July 17, 2025, at the Kelowna Hospice House. One week earlier, he celebrated his 32nd wedding anniversary with his wife, Lucille Poitras.

Ernie is survived by his loving wife, Lucille (formerly Kodila); his children, David Poitras (Tehara), Terence Poitras, and Lorena Poitras; his three step-children, Greg Kodila, Guy Kodila, and Jennifer Osmar (Dean). He was a proud ‘Pere’ to grandchildren, Brittanie Kodila, Lauren Kodila, Halie Osmar, Garreth Osmar, Colton Poitras and Aidan Poitras. He was also very excited and proud of his two great-grandsons, Lauren’s sons, Colt and Brandt Hardy.

Ernie came from a very large family as the youngest of nine children. He was a long-time Kelowna, BC resident, after moving from Saskatchewan to two small cabins on Poplar Point Drive, Kelowna at the age of 3 with his family. After graduating from Kelowna High School in 1959, he worked at the S. M. Simpson Sawmill in Kelowna’s North End. Some years later, he moved over to the sales office of S.M. Simpson Sawmill, which more recently became known as Tolko Industries. Ernie retired from this position early, and moved onto doing what he was best at, handyman work. Ernie could fix, build or restore mostly everything. He was a skilled woodworker and had every tool you could imagine. He was a wealth of knowledge and never stopped helping anyone who asked for advice or needed to borrow a tool. Even he started to use the nickname ‘MacGyver’ for himself!

Ernie spent a lot of family time at his former in-law’s ‘Farm’ in the Northern Interior of BC.  He was always in his glory puttering around fixing fences, haying fields, rebuilding a log cabin, and tending to whatever needed to be done with his ‘tinkering’ abilities.

After his retirement, he met the woman of his dreams, Lucille Kodila, through their involvement at St. Pius X Parish, and they celebrated their 32nd year of marriage on July 10. Ernie was warmly embraced by her family and part of cabin life at Moyie Lake, BC.  Ernie and Lucille enjoyed life together by skiing at Big White in the winters and camping at the Old Ferry Wharf just off Westside Road in the summers.  They also enjoyed time with their friends, either on cruises, trips to Mexico, camping with The Good Sam Club, or just having wine and cards on Saturday nights! Ernie even travelled to visit his daughter Lorena while she was living In Taiwan. Together, they visited China and walked on the Great Wall and saw the Terracotta Warriors.

Ernie was a very proud parishioner of St Pius X Parish for 60+ years. He was not just an attendee, he took pride in assisting the needs of the parish and the parishioners. Ernie had strong Catholic values and that parallelled his involvement with the Knights of Columbus, Father Pandosy Council 7359 in both the Third and Fourth Degrees.  Ernie held high status in the brotherhood, achieving Grand Knight and other board positions.  If there was a committee for something, Ernie was either running it, or on it.

Very recently, Ernie’s older brother Armand Poitras passed away. They had been close for their lifetimes and are sure to be enjoying a good game of crib up there!! We are pretty sure Armand is winning though!!

Ernie’s family would like to express a special thank-you to the staff and volunteers at Kelowna General Hospital and Capri Mall Dialysis Departments. Also, the staff and residents at Northwood Retirement Resort. He loved ‘ki-bittzing’ with you, and we hope he brightened your day.

At Ernie’s request, donations instead of flowers can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

A Funeral Mass in his honour will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 10:30 am (PDT), at the St. Pius X Church, 1346 Gordon Dr, Kelowna, BC. Reception in the adjoining hall immediately following the service. Livestream will be available (see below)

Internment of Ernie’s ashes will be 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at: Immaculate Conception Parish Catholic Cemetery, 4121-3821 Casorso Rd, Kelowna, BC. All are welcome.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

Service
Friday, August 1, 2025, at 10:30 am (PDT)

Location
St. Pius X Church

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Heart & Stroke Foundation Link: www.heartandstroke.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for POITRAS, ‘Ernie’ is scheduled for Friday, August 1, 2025, at 10:30 am (PDT). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

St. Pius X Church

1346 Gordon Dr, Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

Internment of Ernie’s ashes will be 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at: Immaculate Conception Parish Catholic Cemetery, 4121-3821 Casorso Rd, Kelowna, BC. All are welcome.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Jarret Poitras says:
    July 21, 2025 at 10:16 pm

    Lucille, Lorena, Terry, and David – on behalf of our family, I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Ernie was an incredible man – and he has always had a very special place in my heart. When I think of him – I see that amazing smile of his and the warm loving eyes. I’m thankful to have many memories with him and the beach lot, and it was so special to have him (and you Lucille!) at our wedding in Victoria. It warms my heart to know he has joined my Grandpa and Grandma in heaven. Our thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. Take care ❤️

    Reply
  • Ethna Tutt says:
    July 22, 2025 at 1:12 pm

    My heartfelt sympathy Lucille & family of the death of Ernie. Another of the good ones gone from us. It is hard to let them go but also good to know they are no longer suffering. Keep the wonderful memories alive. God Bless.

    Reply
  • Sharon armistead says:
    August 2, 2025 at 9:13 pm

    Our deepest sympathy Lucille and family on your loss. We really enjoyed meeting you both and connecting with Poitras clan. May the memories in your heart help to bring healing and peace.

    Reply

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