Ernest Kroeker

It is with a heavy heart that we have had to say goodbye to one of the sweetest men we have been blessed to have in our lives. Ernie was a quiet, gentle, loving man with a dry, quirky sense of humour; the “Kroeker” sense of humour. He was never loud, but he would often (very quietly) say something incredibly funny and get a particular impish grin on his face. He was a man of few words, but sometimes less words say more, and his actions and gentle demeanor spoke volumes. He lived life with integrity and honor, and was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, and neighbour. He was loved by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.

Ernie passed away unexpectedly from heart failure at The Views at St. Joseph’s in Comox after battling dementia over the last year. His two daughters, Verlaine and Angela, and wife Dorothy were fortunate to be with him before he passed, giving him lots of love and attention.

Ernie was born in Provost, Alberta. His parents had migrated to there from Neuendorf, Russia. Eventually, they moved to BC in 1943 and bought a 20 acre farm on the mainland. He grew up with a large family of 12 brothers and sisters who all worked on the farm, from the age of 13 and up to 21 yrs of age, in order to help pay for the family farm. Soon the farm was paid for. Ernie and his brother Vern moved to Vancouver Island and resided in Black Creek. Ernie had two loving daughters from his first marriage with Marie Enns. He was a fun-loving father and always made sure they had the best time with him. He would take them camping and visit cousins and family over on the mainland. He loved to hang out with his girls playing badminton, tetherball, barbies and cycling around the neighbourhood out on Howard Rd. He worked at Elk Falls Pulp and Paper Mill for 32 yrs as a Yard Equipment Operator and a Ship Loader. Soon before he retired, he married Dorothy, the person that he would share the rest of his journey with. He loved her dearly and welcomed her family with open arms and together they lived a happy and full life.

We would like to thank the amazing and supportive staff at The Views. Their devotion and kindness eased the heartbreak of our tremendous loss. In particular, Jennifer Bertrand, Social Worker; Deana, Nurse, specializing in Dementia; and Dr. Matous, who put everyone’s minds at ease and made Ernie’s journey a little more peaceful during his final days.

Survived and adored by his wife Dorothy; loved by daughters Verlaine (Bryan) and Angela; step-children Kelly (Larry), Dan (Kim), revered by grandchildren Haley and Mikayla; step-grandchildren Mikel, Brody, Lucas, and Ethan; ten great-grandchildren; oodles of nieces and nephews; and cherished by siblings Vern (Darlene), Helen (Dennis), Agnes, George (Erna), and Marge (Bernie).

Predeceased by Mother Elizabeth, Father Gerhard, Brothers; Henry, Jack and Nick, Sisters; Louise, Peggy, Mary and Katharina (Ruby).

We love you forever and always, and will cherish so many great memories of our time with you. You had just asked about your brothers and sisters the other day, so please say, “Hi!” and give them big hugs when you see them.

Special thanks to Todd Gallo, Manager of Piercy's Funeral Home and Ted Hicks, Minister of Denman Island United Church who both assisted in the service and gave our family such wonderful and caring support, during this difficult time.

A zoom service will take place on Saturday, March 20th at 1:00PM. For an invitation to this service please email your request to [email protected] or follow the following link.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/98858987285?pwd=aCtDSHY1MHlmSmIyei9MMnk1ZXgxdz09

Meeting ID: 988 5898 7285

Passcode: 265071

In place of flowers, donations can be made out to the Alzeimer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation:

https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en or http://www.heartandstroke.ca