Ernest Gwilliam
July 6, 1926 — July 31, 2014
Funeral Service
Monday August 4, 2014
2:00 p.m.
Kelvington United Church
Ernie was born on July 6, 1926, in the Kelvington Hospital. He was the youngest child of Bill and Maude Gwilliam. He attended Batestown School.
He farmed with his brother Henry at the start of his farming career and then with his wife Ruth (Prouse), who he married in 1951. Ernie certainly had farming in his blood and truly enjoyed watching the next generations progress and expansion of what his father had started. It gave him a great sense of satisfaction and pride.
They lived on the farm until 1985 when they moved town. Ruth and Ernie traveled quite a lot in those days, making it from one side of Canada to the other. However, during seeding and harvest, he was on call to run equipment and in his later years help the boys move equipment around. When Joyce and Judi came home in spring and fall, you could be sure he took them on a crop tour to see the good and the bad. His son David now lives on the home place.
Ernie passed away on July 31 at the Kelvindell Lodge.
He is predeceased by his four brothers, Ole and Art Hanson, Henry and George Gwilliam; one sister, Edith Hall; brothers-in-law, Ray Keyes, Ivor Robinson, Florian Wagner, Ronnie Wagner, Bob Minor, Albert Bittner and Willard Hall; and one grandson, Byron Gwilliam.
He leaves to mourn his wife of 62 years, Ruth; his children, Joyce (Ken Blosser), Sam (Colleen), David (Eileen) and Judi (Brian Lockie); grandchildren, Ted Cawkwell, Cheney Creamer, Brodie Gwilliam, Bailey and Belinda Gwilliam, Josh, Brittany and Nina Lockie, and their spouses; sister Alice Bittner, and a large extended family of in-laws.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in Ernie's memory may be made to Kelvington Health Care Facility Foundation Inc., c/o Town of Kelvington.
Thanks to everyone here and afar, whether in person or in thought, who have shown respect and support for Ernie and his family. Special thanks to hospital, ambulance and lodge staff for their care and compassion these last weeks.