“Ernie” died peacefully at Kiwanis Lodge, Nanaimo, British Columbia. He is predeceased by loving wife, Margaret Roberts, and his siblings, William, Thelma , and Orienne. He is dearly missed by daughter, Wilma Grace Arruda, son-in-law, Tony Arruda, grandchildren Christopher (Kallista Bell), Brittany Arruda-Holder (Geoffrey Holder), nieces Kimberley Fulton and Krista Smith, sisters-in-law Fenna Plat and Geesje Fulton, and brother-in-law and long-time friend, Stephen Fulton. He will also be missed by Kathy and Douglas Songhurst and their children Donald, Robert, and Bradley Songhurst.
Ernie was born in Toronto, but grew up and lived most of his life in London, Ontario, where he attended Sir Adam Beck Secondary. He was purchasing agent and later general manager of Stanley Home Products (Stanhome) in London before his retirement. He was a long-time member of the Optimists, as well as an active Master Mason and Shriner.
Along with wife, Margaret, Ernie enjoyed multiple trips to British Columbia and he spoke fondly of their automobile trips back and forth across Canada and the United States to be reunited with his daughter, Wilma, and family. Ernie and Margaret settled in Nanaimo in 2001 where for many years the extended family enjoyed Sunday night and birthday dinners and memorable Christmases around a magnificent tree. Ernie enjoyed golf, making wine, and long oceanside walks. He will be remembered for his easy-going, friendly and cheerful nature, his love of conversation and good clean humour—and Grandpa jokes!
A Remembrance Service will be held Sunday, September 29th, 2019, at Wilma and Tony Arruda’s residence, 413 Belmonte Place, Nanaimo, BC, 2-4 pm. RSVP at [email protected].
For anyone wishing to commemorate Ernie’s life please consider a donation to either Kiwanis Village, or the Gizeh Shriners of British Columbia and Yukon:
Kiwanis Village Nanaimo
1233 Kiwanis Crescent
Nanaimo, BC, V9S 5Y1
(250)753-6471
Gizeh Shriners of British Columbia and Yukon https://www.bcshriners.com/donate-now/
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