Ernest Alexander Cardiff

PREDECEASED by his parents,Thelma and Tom Cardiff, Sisters Betty, Shirley, baby brother Douglas , and nephew Stephen Cardiff.

SURVIVED by his Spouse, Marianne Cardiff. Married 39 years ago @ Mill Bay,BC

Stepson Kai -Uwe Schil - Duncan,BC 

SIBLINGS: His brother Norm Cardiff/Greta, Abbotsford ; Irene Scott/DonScott,Abbotsford;  LouiseDwyer/Bill Saunders, Cowichan Bay ; Sharon/Garnie Miller, Duncan,BC

NEPHEWS / NIECES : Julie Cardiff / son Zachary ; [Stephen’s son] Jessen /Jaclyn Cardiff / son Anthony, dtr Mackenzie ;  Doug /Britta Scott ; David /Amber Scott / sons Ryan & Troy;  Karen Scott ; Philip Dwyer/Theresa Whitely/ son Ben, dtr Madeleine Dwyer/Hans Verhoeven /dtr precious baby Ella ; Janellle Dwyer /Steve Plumb ; Cory /Shekinah Miller /twins Charlie & Julian ; Kevin Miller /dtr Cierra , son Matthew.

CLOSE RELATIVES: Cousin-in -Laws Helen Cardiff,Strasbourg, Sask & Marlene Cardiff ,Govan,Sask. & their families.

BACKGROUND: Ernie started working at a Sawmill in Honeymoon Bay .Then trained to become an Automotive Mechanic and worked at Duncan Garage for a # of years. Eventually he accepted the role of Transportation Supervisor for School District 65. Following  a move to the Mainland he continued working in this position for the Langley School District . Due to ill health he retired earlier than expected.

He liked to reminisce about his 12 years as a Volunteer Fireman with the North Cowichan Fire Department. He felt grateful to have been able to serve his Community in this capacity.

In retirement we wished to live closer to the Ocean . Thus in 2013  made the decision to relocate to Qualicum Beach ,treasuring the quietness, the clean air  and brilliant night skies when not cloudy.

INTERESTS,HOBBIES: At Langley he established a large garden and enjoyed cutting the lawn on his riding Lawn Mower.The property had a swimming pool-which  needed considerable amount of effort  keeping it spotlessly clean. But there were benefits as he was an avid swimmer and having been socially inclined ,enjoyed the company of friends and neighbours  dropping in, perhaps for a swim.

Travel was a passion for both of us. Looking back to the countries we visited and the people we could chat with, we felt pretty lucky.

The Winters were welcomed as we loved to ski and going on fabulous ski trips, at first roughing it with a truck and camper, and later stayed @  Ski Lodges/Hotels. We even skied in the High Tatras one fine Christmas. 

Hiking was also on his agenda, as was Kayaking and Golfing.

 IN SUMMARY: Overall Ernie lived a charmed life. But there was a dark side to it as he battled Mental Health issues in addition to  Heart Disease ,Diabetes,Arthritis and Bowel Cancer.

He managed to beat the Odds by a long shot,  outliving his physician’s expectations

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: When Ernie’s health deteriorated rapidly I could no longer manage his care on my own. Thus I like to extend my deepest gratitude to VIHAs Staff with the HomeSupport Program, the Palliative Care Program and to the amazing Trillium Hospice Team. Also my thanks to Dr David Owen for guiding us through unknown medical territory, his support and empathy.

It was a miracle that our St Stephens United Church Minister  Dianne Collier was able to provide Spiritual Care to Ernie as the COVID restrictions had been relaxed only a week before.

Thank you Dianne, our prayers were answered.

SERVICE LOCATION : Will be @ the Mountain View Cemetery ,Duncan,BC .

 DATE AND TIME:  TBD

DONATIONS: If you wish to give a donation in Memory of Ernie and don’t have a preferred Charitable Organization, may I suggest any of the following: VIHA’s Palliative Care ,Trillium Hospice or Mental Health Programs. St Stephen United Church, Qualicum Beach.