Ernie Simpson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ernest "Ernie" James Simpson, a longtime resident of Chetwynd, British Columbia, on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the age of 76 years.

Ernest James Simpson was born May 26, 1948, the fourth of five children born to Anne Simpson (Negrych) and (John) Duncan Simpson in Birtle, Manitoba. In 1951 the family settled in Flin Flon Manitoba. Shortly after the unexpected death of his mother, Ernie left high school at the age of 17 years and went to work for the Hudson’s Bay Mining and Smelting Company, working in the smelter for 2 years, and later worked for the forestry service and the weather service. He then got his GED and attended NAIT, graduating with a diploma in Electronics Engineering Technology. In April 1976 he met Dorothy Ann Duchesne, and they married February 5, 1977. Together Ernie and Dorothy Ann raised 5 children in Spruce Grove, Alberta until 1995, when they moved to Chetwynd, B.C.

Ernie enjoyed hunting and especially fishing. From a young age he hunted ptarmigan and grouse, later moving up to deer and moose. He loved to fly fish and became quite knowledgeable and adept at the sport and tied his own flies. He greatly enjoyed teaching others to hunt and fish with him, especially his children and grandchildren.

Family was most important to Ernie. He treasured his relationships with his children and siblings. Though never a true athlete, he coached soccer for his kids’ teams, attended many neighborhood hockey games and speed skating competitions. He valued education and spent many hours reading to his kids, practicing math flash cards and helping with homework.

Ernie joined the Catholic Church in the spring of 2000.

He deeply loved spending time with his 12 grandchildren and was known to give many exciting rides in the trailer behind the riding lawn mower. He also enjoyed playing wii “Big Game Hunter” with the grandkids.

Ernie is survived by his wife of 47 years Dorothy Ann Simpson, their 5 children Sarah (Dominick) Budke, David Simpson, Michelle (Bill) Blackwell, Colleen (Tommy) Lightburn, and John (Gen) Simpson, and their 12 grandchildren. Mary-Kate, Rebekah, Peter, Luke and Anne Budke, Adrien, Olivia Grace, Trent and Natalie Blackwell, Jaylee, Porter and Barrett Lightburn, his sister Phyllis Kelly, brothers Ed (Mary Jo), Doug (Hanna) and Harold as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He is predeceased by his parents Anne and Duncan Simpson; sister-in-law Reenie Simpson; brother-in-law Del Kelly; niece Heather Simpson and nephew Kelly Kelly.

A Prayer Service will be held for Ernie on Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Parkland Funeral Services in Stony Plain, Alberta. A Mass Of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, in Spruce Grove, Alberta, on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 11:00 am with Father Paul Moret to officiate.

A Memorial Service for Ernie will be held in Chetwynd, BC at a later date.