Ernst Arndt

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Ernst Arndt. Ernst passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, April 20, 2020 at the age of 77 years, after several months of declining health due to a stroke

Ernst, the youngest of three children, was born in Patinau, Germany (now Poland), to father, Ludwig, and mother, Ida, Arndt. The family immigrated to Canada in 1953. They settled in Wolseley, Saskatchewan, where Ernst spent his youth, attending school, and taking his first job at the post office at age 16. He went on to graduate high school in 1962, and his love for all things mechanical and electronic led him to taking correspondence courses through DeVry. He trained as an apprentice electrician in Moose Jaw, before moving to Regina, Saskatchewan. In Regina, he was employed by Comfort Plumbing before taking a position at the CO-OP refinery. In the autumn of 1966, Ernst met the love of his life, Stella Grabarczyk, at the Trianon Ballroom in Regina. They were married in 1968. Two daughters, Tina and Monica, were born of their happy union. Ernst and Stella moved to Calgary, Alberta in 1971, where Ernst designed and built his family’s home.

He was employed at the Chevron asphalt plant (later Koch Materials), where he became a steam engineer, and enjoyed his career as plant manager for over 20 years, eventually retiring and running his own handyman business for many more years.

Ernst will be remembered as a strong, quiet gentleman. His name, “Ernst”, was very fitting, as he was noted for his honest and straight-forward manner of speaking. He had many interests, including steam engines, windmills, and just about anything else mechanical. His talents were many, including the ability to fix almost anything, especially cars. He was an avid woodworker, and many family members and friends have appreciated being given a beautiful bowl he made on his wood lathe. Ernst was fond of music and played the accordion. In recent years, he found fulfillment in volunteering at his church, and loved hiking in the mountains with friends. He was also a fine writer and poet.

Ernst will be well-remembered for his kind acts of service. He was noted for getting up in the middle of the night to make sure his children and grandchildren were still covered with warm blankets. He was always available to rescue someone whose car had broken down, or to help someone who needed a hand with something that needed repair in their home. He loved to make wooden toys for his grandchildren, and by request, often whipped up a batch of his “Papa pancakes”. Ernst’s mulled wine was a famous Christmas treat.

Ernst was preceded in death by his parents, and by his brother, Reinhold Arndt. He is survived by his wife Stella Arndt; his daughters Tina Arndt (Ian Turnbull) and Monica Palidwar (Jamie Palidwar); and his grandchildren Mila Palidwar, Sabina Palidwar, Stella Turnbull, and Jacob Turnbull. He is also survived by his sister, Maria Franken, and by his many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Rest easy, Dad. You are now in God’s hands. Please watch over us. Yours was a life well-lived, and your life’s work was well done.

At this time, a private funeral service will be held to celebrate Ernst’s life.

In lieu of flowers, Ernst’s family asks that those who wish to do so may make a donation to Canadian Heart and Stroke at https://www.heartandstroke.ca/