My Grandpa

A ride through the country
Pink mints, gum in the front seat
The sound of gravel lulling me to sleep
rolling hills and happiness.

A yellow boat, cold and warmth
Gentle waves whispering
showing me how to be, to do, to enjoy
Freedom and family, life without limits

The sun rising over frosty snowmobiles
A friend
Large hands over mine keeping me warm
Strong arm holding me safe

Cold water sweet as honey
Sitting still, listening, watching, learning from nature
Confidence, dandy love
Leaves turned walking through tall grasses, the sun on our faces

The warmth of a wood fire
Bacon frying in a cast iron pan
Grandparents loving me
Helping, guiding, showing how to live and love

Strength
Happiness
Family
Living beyond life

I rememer well, some of the Stewarts meetings. Ernie was "common sense" rock that made us make rational decisions. God Bless

Ernie was a master for me of the highest calibre. A straight shooter, one always had the the straight goods.  He is probably thinking that we should not have even  passed the new installations on his behalf today. God Bless

One of my fondest memories of Uncle Ernie was sitting around the piano with the family watching my Mom and him play "On The Wall, and Paddy Had a Toothache", both of my favourites.  It seemed like every Friday after school, Hank & I would walk down to Ernie & Gladys, the place on Wawanosh.  The house was always warm and inviting, a place of love and acceptance and ice cold water (Ha! Ha!) Uncle Ernie seemed to be able to solve all the problems of the world or at least had opinions about them anyway.  He was always there for our family. Mom always said she could count on him and Aunt Gladys. Ernie Dukes was like a father to me. He will be sadly missed but live in my heart forever.

When I first came to Willowgrove, the church was in its youth. Ernie was a constant presence wherever there was a need. Some of you will remember him fixing whatever needed to be fixed, giving down-to-earth directions and encouragement. A big man, with his engineer's cap on, we called him 'Mr. Willowgrove'. He was like a Dad to this fledging minister. When I'd get worrying about things that were beyond my job..like church finances...Ernie would come along and put his hand on my shoulder and say something like...'Don, you just worry about the spiritual matters and let us worry about the money'. If he needed to straighten us out with some of our high flying ideas he would always call a spade a spade..but it was always followed by a grin and a wink!..When Ernie put his hand on your shoulder, it was a firm, large hand...a man who also had a big heart..and left a large footprint. Without Ernie and others of that time, we wouldn't be sitting here today, I'm sure.

A warm and welcoming smile and a genuine laugh are memories I'll always have of Ernie.  

I think he was just one of those people who you liked instantly and juding from the comments and photos, he was well liked by family and friends alike.  I feel very fortunate to be a related to such a wonderful man. 

He will be sadly missed but always close at heart.

Visiting with and joining in a rousing conversation with Uncle Ernie was always a treat and more often than not you came away with a perspective you hadn't yet thought of.

We are saddened by the passing of our dearest Uncle Ernie, and we extend our heart felt thoughts and prayers to Aunt Gladys and the entire family.

Gladys, my thoughts are prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time.

Sincerest of sympathies to you Gramma Dukes and the entire family.  We will always remember his smiling face and friendly wave at Basswood.  The two of you always had us in awe at the amazing things you would do together ... always the adverturers!  Wishing you strength and peace in this difficult time.

To the Dukes families:

My family and I moved to the "Sault" in 1988 and attended Willowgrove United Church where Gladys and Ernie took us under their wings and Ernie would submit my name frequently to serve on various committees. Ernie will be greatly missed in the church and the community.

I noticed at the visitation that Ernie fished like my dad. An old green tackle box, limited lures, nylon line wrapped around a grooved stick. Dad used the old green or black and white cotton line wrapped around a wooden shingle and would paddle the boat with the line in the water, a portion wrapped over his ear and another portion between his teeth so that he could paddle and feel a strike at the same time.

Rest easy my friend.

We were so sorry to hear of Uncle Ernie's passing. We extend our sincere  condolences. Our thoughts are with Aunt Gladys and the family.

Antero, Karl and Paul Elo

Our sincere condolences to the entire family at this time of loss.

With love,
Gina Marie & John Morley
(St. Joseph Island)

Remembering your great love story today and always.

Jerry  my thoughts are with you at this very sad time.  My deepest and heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family.

The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. I am Deeply saddened to hear of Uncle Ernie's passing. Family meant everything to Uncle, and his life lessons both taught and learned by your family will bring you through this difficult time. I share your grief and my memories of Uncle are with you.

Love Rod

Sending our deepest sympathy to Aunt Gladys and the entire family.  May your hearts take comfort in the strength of one another and find peace in the love of the Lord.

With Blessings, Love and Light,  
Tanya Beilhartz-MacLean and Robert MacLean (Windsor, ON)

Sorry to here about your grandfather Heather......John 3:16

We were so sorry to hear about Uncle Ernie's passing.  He will be missed by many but has left many good memories to take comfort in.  We are sending our thoughts and prayers to all of the family.  May the love and strength of your family carry you through this difficult time.  

Love to all,

Karen, Karl, Kyle and Tyson Martino

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Gladys and family.  
lots of love

Gladys and family.  It was with great sadness that we were told of Ernie's passing. He was a wonderful friend, a loving person and a mentor to many.  May all the memories, and I know there are many that you hold dear, sustain you through this difficult time.  Sincerely Bonnie/Joe roski

OBITUARY

Ernest Ernie Samuel Dukes

June 13, 1924 – October 15, 2011

Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel

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