Obituary of BELISLE – Ernest Matthew

April 5, 1920 – January 3, 2010 Ernie passed to his heavenly home amidst the love, laughter and tears of his soul mate Madeleine, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his daughter and sons-in-law. With the hockey game playing in the background and a picture of his dog Bella at his side, Ernie peacefully left this world for the beginning of his next life. Ernest, the fourth child of tweleve of Mastai and Agnes (nee Vaillant) Belisle, was born in Ewart, Manitoba; attended the Belgarde Convent and schools in Kelvindale and Fertile, Sask. He left home at the tender age of 15 to find work and his independence, starting with threshing crews on surrounding farms and continued with many occupations from then. They included truck driver/hauling, mechanics, river drive mechanic, highway, airport and breakwater construction, mining, laying pipeline, installing sewers, and store owner. He was self-employed in “E. Belisle General Contractor” then in partnership with his brother Omer in “Belisle Trucking” for several years. His greatest accomplishment was achieving his license as a Class A Heavy Equipment Mechanic. He was well respected throughout many provinces as a hard worker. Ernie worked in Manitoba, Alaska, Yukon, and many towns in Ontario. Ernie married the love of his life Madeleine (nee Jean) in 1950. Together, for over fifty-nine years, they built a legacy residing in Manitoba, Ontario, Yukon and Alberta. Ernie was predeceased by infant daughter Joanne in 1953; by his mother and father; brothers D’arcy, Omer, Albert, Leo, Gerald, Art, Armand; his sister Rita (Pinault); many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. Left to celebrate his life is his wife Madeleine; sisters, Azilda (Mazur), Rose (Olsson) and Yvonne (Talbot); sons Claude (Nicole), Richard (Maureen) and Garry (Suzanne); daughters, Connie (Fred) Winfield, Louise (Robert) Bailot, Leora (Terry) Cavanagh, and Michele; grandchildren, Brenda Lee (Louis), Claudette (Mike), Dana (Christie), Patrick (Normel), Jennifer, Melissa, Genina, Brandon, Jacob, Joshua (Nicole), Robert John, Leanna, Michael, Jarad, and Ashley; and his precious great-grandchildren Devin, Desirée, Madison, Genna, Anamika, Kelirae, Julien, Rylan and Lucas. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church (8944 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Thursday, January 7, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated by The Very Reverand Gregory Coupal, VF, at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church (8944 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Friday, January 8, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. You may forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of the donor’s choice. The family wishes to acknowledge RGH unit 83 nurses Dianna, Sherry and Emma; homecare companion Kiril and his program coordinator Eva for their compassionate and wonderful care of Ernie. In living memory of Ernie Belisle, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.