Ernie Robert Willms

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ernie with his devoted wife Susan by his side. He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Helen (Braun), brother Jake and sisters Irene and Karen.

After high school, Ernie went into mechanic apprenticeship training and became a certified mechanic, working at a dealership in Winnipeg. He was involved in drag racing at Keystone Raceways and loved his Model A Candy Apple car. Ernie loved all cars and could name the make, model and year of almost every car he saw.

When his parents and siblings moved to Kelowna in 1967, he stayed in Winnipeg and lived with his grandmother, helping her during that time.

He later worked for Kwikway Automotive Equipment and travelled across the prairies selling shop equipment and was eventually offered the territory of BC. As his personal life and careers progressed and changed, he made a move to Mission in July 1990.

Ernie met Susan and her three daughters in May 1992 and moved to Abbotsford. They opened a Mister Transmission shop on Clearbrook Road. In 1994 he made a switch to become a MAC Tools Distributor. He loved the social aspect of sales and made many friends.

Ernie married Susan in May 1995 and became stepdad to Jennifer, Kelly and Kristin. After 10 years with MAC Tools he was restless to try something new so he bought a delivery business delivering meat to various delis throughout the South Okanagan, Kelowna, Vernon and Kamloops areas. He loved driving and serving the deli owners throughout his route.

His love of driving continued and he and Susan bought a large motorhome in 2001 so he could travel in BC and Alberta visiting friends and family. They also made two trips to Arizona and a trip to Ontario before COVID.

Ernie and Susan bought a small acreage in Greendale in 2007. They needed it for Ernie’s growing collection of very large vehicles! He loved his big shop and spent many hours in there tinkering with things. He could turn one thing into another like no one else. Ernie bought various collector cars and joined the Chilliwack Chapter of the Vintage Car Club of Canada, and most recently in January, became the President of the Chilliwack Chapter.

Since 1996 Ernie and Susan have been part of the Fraser Valley Stage in Abbotsford. They performed in many shows over the years at the Abby Arts Centre and travelled to England and Ireland with the group for music competitions and festivals. When Ernie retired in 2017, he switched from singing and dancing on stage to set-building. He had a wonderful bond with his barn buddies, building sets throughout the year for every production.

His faith got him through difficult times and many health challenges. His church and neighbour friends were a source of camaraderie over coffee at Tim Horton’s, over the fence or ditch around our property or in the beautiful sunroom he had installed in 2021.

Everyone Ernie met became his friend. He was generous with his time and loved helping others with their odd jobs. He was a great storyteller and remembered so many details of events it was remarkable. He loved his property and was especially proud of the crop of blueberries he loved picking and sharing every year. He was becoming interested in researching his Mennonite ancestry and enjoyed many hours talking to cousins, reading books and visiting the Mennonite Heritage Museum in Abbotsford to fill in pieces of his past.

Ernie was strong and determined and fully recovered from many surgeries and health challenges over the years. His latest challenge came in the form of a stroke on April 5. He fought hard for 11 days while doctors at the VGH Stroke Unit tried their best to give him one more chance, but it was his time to join his parents and siblings and the Lord took him home to be with his heavenly family.

Family grieving his loss are his wife Susan, stepdaughters - Jennifer (KC) Burns of New Zealand, Kelly (Bentley) Strong of Chilliwack and Kristin Dalen of Abbotsford, 6 grandchildren - Karson, Luke, Hayley, Jake, Amy and Avery, mother-in-law, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews and their families and many cousins.

We are heartbroken that he has left his earth family, and his presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to one of the following:

Heart and Stroke Foundation

Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation

BCSPCA

A memorial drive will be held in the Summer.