Ernest Ernie James Woewoda

An avid sport fisherman, bowler and gardener; so-so golfer; successful businessman and a much loved & loving husband, father, grandfather & great-grandfather and good friend to many. Ernest James Woewoda passed away at Laurel Place in Surrey on February 26, 2011 with his family at his side. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Verna; daughters Darlene (John) & Carolyn (Bill) and son, James; grandchildren Cameron (Julie), Kimberly (Shane), Stefan, Collin & Nick; great-grandchildren Emma, Georgia & Alex.

Ernie was born on Christmas Eve, 1926 in Powell River, B.C; the eldest child to immigrant Polish & Ukranian parents.

He enjoyed his childhood years on a farm on Halls Prairie Road in Cloverdale (It was there that the love of the outdoors took hold) and graduated from Lord Tweedsmuir High School, where he excelled athletically, especially on the basketball court and in track and field.

His first job after high school was as a gold dredger with Yukon Consolidated Gold Mines in Dawson City, Yukon.

He regretted missing the opportunity to serve his country - he was conscripted the day World War II ended, but was very proud of his grandson, Cameron, who served in the military and was deployed to Bosnia & Afghanistan.

In 1952 Ernie purchased Whalley Barbers and in 1968, putting his barber scissors away forever, he, along with his wife Verna, ventured into the bowling business and purchased Whalley Bowling Lanes. Retirement came in 2004.

Ernie loved a good party, family barbeques and family camping trips, as well as his legendary fishing trips with his buddies.

There will be a gathering for family and friends to share some of those stories and others and to celebrate Ernie's life at Carriage House, 17695 58th Avenue, Surrey, on Sunday, March 6th from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. A private family interment will be held at Victory Memorial Park.

The family wishes to thank the caring, compassionate staff, doctors & nurses of Acute Elderly Care at Surrey Memorial Hospital and of Laurel Place, with a special thank you to Dr. Victor Andre Starke.

Donations can be made in Ernie's memory to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC Yukon, #218-13569 76th Avenue, Surrey, BC V3W 2W3. www.heartandstroke.bc.ca