Ernest R. Semple Jr

Journeyed to the other side peacefully, the morning of June 8th at the Lakeshore General hospital. Family and friends shared memories and comforting wishes with him in preparation of his eventual passing…

Son of Ernest Roy and “Millie” Semple and deceased brother Charlie. He is survived by his two daughters Laura Everett (Ron) and Caroline Semple, as well his sons Roy Semple (Nancy,) Andrew Semple and Matthew Semple (Tara,) in addition to grandchildren Araya Everett, Darianna Everett, Ryon Everett, Chiara Everett, Marika Huot Semple and Tristan Huot Semple. One great grandson, Wolf (Araya.)

Born and brought up in Sydney, Cape Breton Nova Scotia “Ernie” excelled in tennis, science and mathematics. He attended Sydney Academy, then pursued a B.Sc at Dalhousie in Math and Physics. He Graduated from McGill University in Engineering Physics in 1955 and was admitted to the Corporation of Engineers in Quebec during the same year.

At one point “Ernie” was ranked 5th in Canada as a junior. He was on the McGill Tennis team, also attained the expert marksman certification, was a member of the Institute of Radio Engineers in 1955 as well as member of the Rocket and Jet Propulsion Society in 1959.

He will be remembered as an inventor innovator at Simtec where he created safety controllers for nuclear reactors, among other original designs. He was also instrumental at Canadair in collaborating to create the CL-227, a precursor to modern day drones, also proudly named the “Peanut.”

His favourite activities were Anglo Rights politics in Quebec, where he made many a friend in the Equality Party and Alliance Quebec. He loved tennis immensely and shared this love with his children, who all learned the game. As a true “Maritimer” there was never a lobster that Ernie didn’t like. He would tell you that the female ones had a bigger claw and that the roe was excellent to eat. As a matter of fact, he would give courses on how to dismember one to whoever was available… as long as there was lobster! Ernie, was not only a tennis player, he used to play basketball too. For many years he gave his time as a coach to teenagers on the West Island.

In the end, many of us remember Ernest Roy Semple II as a fiercely independent person, who literally lived his life like that famous Frank Sinatra song, “My Way.”

We are grateful to the Lakeshore General hospital for the attentive care and compassion they gave while Ernie was there for three weeks. The ICU team was incredibly dedicated, accessible and considerate. If so desired, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lakeshore General Hospital Foundation: https://fondationlakeshore.ca

A Celebration of Life ceremony and reception will be held at the Cote-Des-Neiges Funeral Home at 4525 ch. de la Cote-des-Neiges, Montréal on Sunday, June 17th at 3:00pm, with viewing from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Online condolences may be left a https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/montreal-qc/centre-funeraire-cote-des-neiges-inc/3189