Dr. W. Alan Ernst

Ernst, Dr. W. Alan, 89 years, died peacefully August 16, 2013 in QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax. Born in Dartmouth, he was the son of the late William Andrew and Gertrude (Carter) Ernst. He is survived by daughters Patricia “Patsy” Ernst and Perri (Tom) McLeod, grandson Ryan Ernst, brother-in-law Ron Kirby, all of Halifax, sister-in-law Margaret MacLeod, Brockville, Ontario and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Fairlie (Prowse), his sisters, Marion Kirby, Gwendolyn Simpson and Kathleen Scouler, and a number of brothers and sisters-in-law. He received a BSC in 1947 and an MD in 1951 from Dalhousie University. He completed one year post-graduate surgery at Camp Hill Hospital in Halifax, one year of surgery at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal and subsequently received a Diploma in Urology from McGill University in 1956. He was a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and was an Associate Professor of Urology at Dalhousie University. During his career, he practiced both adult and pediatric urology and was the head of the Department of Urology at the IWK Hospital from 1961 to 1991 during which time he contributed significantly to the development of pediatric urology in Nova Scotia. Alan had an avidity for golf, skiing, recreational running and motorcycling. He was a long term member of Ashburn Golf Club and was an enthusiastic member of the BNO club. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Cruikshank’s Funeral Home on 2666 Windsor Street, where visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm Monday, August 19, 2013. A memorial service will be held 2 pm Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at St. Matthew’s United Church, 1479 Barrington Street, Halifax. Interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. The family would like to thank the medical staff of 8.2, 3ICU, and 8.4 at the QEII Health Sciences Centre for their care. Special thanks goes to cousin, Jeff Kirby for his wonderful support over the past few weeks.