Ernest Kenneth McLeod

Ernie was born on February 1, 1927 in Chapple Township to Thomas and Polly McLeod. The family moved to Blackhawk when he was 2. He was raised on the family farm, attending school there. He moved to Fort Frances at the age of 17. He joined the Army in February of 1945 and was released in August at the end of the war; he served for 2 more years in the Reserves. He joined the local paper mill working there for 38 years, retiring in 1987. Ernie was a dedicated worker and put his full effort into everything he did. He loved to work with his hands, creating toys, houses and furniture. His grandchildren each received a handmade toy box from him. He loved to spend time at the property in Northbranch, watch sports and take long drives in the country.

He was united in marriage to Barbara Field on May 2, 1947 and together they raised 3 children, Carol, Jane and Mark. He lost her to Alzheimer’s and she passed away on August 21, 2004. He was fortunate to find love again with Hilda Tkachuk and they were united in marriage on October 8, 2005.

Ernie will be greatly missed by his wife Hilda; children Carol (Robert) Readman, Jane (David) Ferguson and Mark (Donna) McLeod; grandchildren Robyn Readman, Todd (Jennifer) Readman, Kirk Readman, Lana Ferguson, Jason (Christine) Ferguson, Christopher Ferguson (Jennifer), John McLeod, Sarah McLeod (Rob), Jennifer McLeod (Mathieu), Margaret McLeod (Chris) and 12 great grandchildren; stepson Bob (Mary Beth) Tkachuk; brothers John (Judy) McLeod, William (Pat) McLeod; sisters Evelyn Robins, Shirley (Eric) Cates and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is survived by sister-in-laws Crete McLeod and Karen McLeod and brother-in-law Blaine Thierry.

He was predeceased by his parents; first wife Barbara; sisters Rose Campbell , Christine McLeod and Elizabeth Thierry; brothers Lawrence, Robert and Donald McLeod.

A visitation will be held on Monday, January 16, 2017 from 7 until 9 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, ON.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, ON with Pastor Brian Keffer officiating.

Interment will take place in the Riverview Cemetery, Fort Frances, ON.

The pallbearers will be John McLeod, Jason Ferguson, Chris Ferguson, Kirk Readman, Josh Mills, Kyle Batson, Liam Swartz and Alexis Ferguson.

An honour guard will be provided by the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 29 Colour Party.

If friends so desire in memoriam donations may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church or the Kenora/Rainy River Lung Association , c/o Green Funeral Home, 600 Reid Avenue, Box 427, Fort Frances, ON, P9A 3M8.

Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.