Obituary of Ernest Henry Elkins

Ernest (Ernie) Henry Elkins passed away suddenly on Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at the age of 81 years. Ernie was born in Calgary and grew up in small towns in Alberta. He came back to Calgary in 1940. It was while he was on leave from the navy that he met the love of his life Betty, and they were married in 1949. Ernie graduated with a degree in Education, and he and Betty moved to Three Hills, AB where he started his teaching career. He and Betty later moved back to Calgary, and he worked for the Calgary Board of Education for twenty-nine years as a Teacher, Principal, Science Consultant and Area Superintendent. Ernie always put the students first and encouraged and challenged them. He was an innovator in the field of education. Ernie was a lifetime member of the Conference of Alberta School Superintendents and the Canadian Association of School Administrators. He enjoyed his retirement travelling, golfing, volunteering, and spending time in Harvie Heights with his children and grandchildren. Ernie is survived by his son Geoffrey Elkins; and three daughters, Laura Leedham and Reg Schneidmiller; Debbie Elkins and Reed Vickers, and Susan and Mark Hughes. Papa will be missed by his seven grandchildren, Matthew Schmidt, Kendra Schmidt, Hayley Hughes, Jasmine Vickers, Jade Elkins, Liam Elkins, and Corrine Schneidmiller; and his great-granddaughter Savannah Scott. He was predeceased by his wife Betty. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Monday, April 23, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, #100, 2421 – 37 Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 6Y7 Telephone: (403) 250-7090, www.mssociety.ca/en/give or directly to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Chapter, 700, 10665 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB , T5J 3S9 Telephone: (780) 452-1166. In living memory of Ernie Elkins, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.