Passed peacefully surrounded by those whom he loved so much on Friday August 23, 2019 at Cambridge Memorial Hospital. He leaves behind his beloved wife Marilyn (Parkinson) of 51 years, and his children of whom he was so proud and devoted, Ian (Morgan) of Fairfax Virginia, and Meagan of Toronto, as well as his two dearly loved grandchildren Jackson and Regan, who furnished him with much joy and amusement. Born in Galt October 16, 1939, Ernie was the elder son of the late Albert and Mary Crump (Lengyell) and was the protective and loved big brother of Ross (Jennifer Parkinson). He is also survived by brother-in-law Neil Parkinson (Sharon) and his nieces and nephews: Joshua Crump (Anna) of Australia, Carrie Crump (Troy) of Kelowna, Elizabeth Race (Peter) of Ottawa, Sarah Parkinson of Toronto and Carolyn Parkinson (Jason) of Los Angeles, along with his great nieces and nephews Bella, Will, Henry, Archer, Finley, Ben, Jack, Kayla, Frank, Cora and Erica. He was predeceased by his parents, Marilyn’s parents Archie and Winifred Parkinson, and his cherished nephew Aaron Crump.
After 42 years as an employee of Raytheon Canada, Ernie embraced retirement with excitement and pleasure, travelling, attending theatre productions, relishing family time, devoting much time to his amateur radio hobby and volunteering in the community with the Canadian Red Cross, John Howard Society, Ontario Gleaners, Cambridge Memorial Hospital, and Trinity Community Table. He was a member of the Probus Club of Cambridge, Cambridge Tennis Club, and a founding member of the South Waterloo Amateur Radio Club and the first holder of the call sign “VE3SWA”. Many will remember his pithy comments included in various letters to the editors of local and national newspapers. He was a group leader for Recovery International, helping many cope with depression and anxiety disorders using the skills that helped him to overcome his own mental health challenges. His participation in social events often found him in a host of costumes including Santa Claus, Henry the VIII and, hilariously, as the New Year Baby. After a reluctant start with 8 close friends, he quickly and enthusiastically embraced the wonders of the Bruce Trail and was proud to have completed the “end to end hike” from Queenston to Tobermory. As a life-long and devoted member of Trinity Anglican Church he held many leadership positions over the years, and humbly accepted the Bishop of Huron’s Award of Excellence in 2008. He was a man of deep faith, and his many friends will remember him for his wry wit, kindness and steadfast friendship.
Our family is deeply grateful to the emergency responders, the ICU doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and all others who treated him, and us, with such skill and compassion - as well as to Reverend Eleanor and all of our friends and neighbours for their ongoing and loving support during this time.
Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service to honour his life well lived will be held on Saturday September 14 at 2 p.m. at Trinity Anglican Church (12 Blair Road, Cambridge).
In his memory, remembrances to Trinity Anglican Church or Cambridge Memorial Hospital would have pleased him so much.
DONATIONS
Trinity Anglican Church12 Blair Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1S2H5
Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation700 Coronation Blvd., Cambridge, Ontario N1R3G2
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