Ernest Epp

Ernie was born January 26, 1930 in Langham, Saskatchewan. He grew-up honing his mechanical skills at his father’s Central Garage and Machine Shop. Ernie spent the last 42 years living in Kenora after stops in Saskatoon, Armstrong, and Winnipeg. Ernie will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.

We all enjoyed Ernie’s quirky side and his ingenuity. Ernie was an avid letter writer and received information from all over the world. He was our personal Google before computers existed with file cabinets filled with random information. Kids and grandkids school projects were completed using this system. He had strong interests in computers, science, UFOs, vocabulary, grafting apple trees, and fixing things. One of his proudest moments was when Canadian journalist Allan Fotheringham wrote about “Dr. Epp’s” expertise in Macleans magazine after Ernie wrote him a letter informing Fotheringham of his improper use of the term Tractor Hat. He got a big kick out of that! If Ernie wasn’t at home you could find him at McDonalds having coffee with the guys or at the dump. He often came home with more then he brought there and ended up finding a gem to fix. At Christmas, his grandchildren have fond memories of his traditional brown paper bag gifts of peanuts and mandarin oranges and how each year Grandpa wrapped a gift for himself – To: Ernie, From: Ernie.

Ernie’s love for fixing things lead him to a career with Beacon Radio and Electric in Saskatoon which led to a training course in Radio College of Canada in Toronto. Much of this life he worked for the Government of Canada, Department of Transportation as a Radar Technician. His work at the Kenora Airport garnered him some life long friends, which he cherished.

Ernie is survived by his sons Gregory (Neva), Derrick (Barb), and daughter Jane (Robert). Ernie was proud of his grandchildren Heather (Dylan), Cory (Maria), Tina (Christopher), Christopher (Mabel), Brandon, Jenny (Jerry), Richard (Lucy), Nicholas (Anne) and Giada (Jay). Ernie was also blessed with seven beautiful great grand children Emma, Maxine, Peyton, Landon, Luna, Hazel and Reggie.

Ernie is predeceased by his loving wife Amanda, Jeffery (grandson), Elisabeth and Cornelius (parents), Rueben and Bill (brothers), Irmgard and Irene (sister-in laws), Harley and Steve (nephews) and Tamara (great niece).

Ernie may you rest in peace with your beloved, Mandy.

Pinecrest’s quality of care is second to none and we thank all the staff from the bottom of our hearts for the care they provide both Ernie and Amanda. Thank you to the Pinecrest coffee crew who visited with Ernie and entertained him with their great stories. We also thank their Nairn Avenue neighbours who were a constant support to Ernie and Amanda.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Pinecrest Home or Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation.

In accordance with Ernie’s wishes there will be a private graveside service and internment at a later date.