We Remember
GAGNON, Ernest
July 30, 1943 — November 3, 2016
Ernest (Ernie) Gagnon passed away very peacefully at Lakeview Lodge on November 3rd, 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, on December 17, 2016 from 12 noon to 2:00 pm at Rossmere Golf and Country Club, 925 Watt Street, Winnipeg, MB. 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. For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or share memories, may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
December 17, 2016 from 12 noon to 2:00 pm
Location
Rossmere Golf and Country Club
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Service Information
Service Details
The service for GAGNON, Ernest is scheduled for December 17, 2016 from 12 noon to 2:00 pm . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
We first met Ernie when he and Lorette moved across the street from us in Sun Village, Westbank and we connected immediately. A quiet, thoughtful man with a wicked sense of humour, Ernie kept us smiling whether on the golf course or sharing a glass of wine at our many gatherings over the years. His passing evokes great sadness, but I have no doubt he and Sam are sharing a joke and watching over all of us.
Ernie will be missed by all who knew & loved him. Condolences and hugs to Lorette. He fought a big battle for a very long time. God bless.
My deepest condolences to Lorette and all of Erine’s family . It breaks my hart to see we lost such a dear man. He will always hold a special place in my hart . I cried today when I read this . Big hugs to Lorette .
We’re so very sorry to hear of Ernie’s passing. It has been many, many years since we last saw Ernie, probably at a family function. He was always such a nice man and we know he will be sorely missed. Thinking of all of you.
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Ernie he was a great person he will be mightily missed by all.
We were so sad to read about Ernie’s passing. Working alongside Ernie at Braeside for 10 plus years led to a lifetime friendship and many, many fond memories. He will be truly missed. Our condolences to you, Lorette and to all of your family.
Our condolences go out to Ernie’s wife and family. Just a little bit of history I grow up on Ralph Ave. Transcona, the Gagnon family lived on the corner of Ralph we lived on the other corner. We visited back and forth, Ernie’s Mom and Dad I called Auntie Kay and Uncle Arsene our families spent many wonderful times. I have some of the most wonderful memories of Ernie and his family, Whatever ever Ernie did he put his whole heart into it.. Ernie you will be missed by every one you touched through out the your life. My Mom and I are truly saddened, thinking of each and everyone of you. Auntie Frances /Dianne
Loretta…..our deepest sympathy….our thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
Ernie was a great guy…..your loss is great, and so many of us share it with you
Russ and Carol
Dear Lorette, our sincere condolences at the loss of your husband and friend. Although we have not been in touch for a few years now please know that Ernie was a special person to us and we have many fond memories of our time with you both in Winnipeg. We so agree that Ernie was a kind, generous, and caring man. We also had a lots of fun with him on ski trips and later golfing and socializing with you both. Your love for each other was so special and everyone could see it. We were so happy for you both when Ernie discovered his ‘banker friend’ and that you built such a wonderful life together. All the best to you and your family at this time.
Laura & Thomas Thurnheer
Loretta, I am so sorry to hear of Ernie’s passing. It has been a few years since I last saw you and Ernie (Winnipeg).
My condolences and prayers to you and your family.
Dear Lorette we were so sorry to hear of Ernie’s passing ,our condolences to you and family.
Ann & Rod
Dear Lorette and family,
We were very saddened to read in the Winnipeg Free Press about Ernie’s passing. He was such a great guy and you made a wonderful couple. May the special memories of times spent together give you strength to face each new day. He will be missed. We have many fond memories of times spent with you. We are all fine. Our deepest sympathy,
Joycelyn and Bryan Gawryluk