Obituary of Ernest William George Green

October 31, 1940 - November 9, 2023

It is with great sadness that the family of Ernest (Ernie) Green announces his death. A wonderful husband, father, son, brother, papa and friend, he will be deeply missed by Sandra his wife of 52 years, his two sons, Tim, Jon (Mariah), and his two precious grandchildren, Ben and Emily. The eldest child of Phyllis and Ernest Green, he also leaves to mourn his brother Terry (Cathy d.) and sister Sandi (Tom), and their families, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.  

Born in Bexleyheath, Kent, Ernie emigrated with his family in 1955 from the UK to Regina. His interest in ham radio began soon afterwards when he became VE5GG. It became one of his lifelong passions earning him a DX Century Club award for “working” 320+ countries. His call of VE6GY, which he received in 1973, will now become one of the silent keys. 

In 1963 he was granted a commission with the Department of National Defence and as a reservist was awarded the rank of 2nd Lt in the 10th Field Artillery Regiment. 

His passion for electronics led to Ernie working for Cam Gard Supply in Regina. He became branch manager and as such moved his young family to Calgary in 1973 to manage a new Cam Gard branch there. Two years later he founded his own company of B&E Electronics, which to this day remains strong in the marketplace both in Calgary and Saskatoon under the guidance of his son Jon. Ernie’s loyalty, integrity and sense of fairness always endeared him to his staff, and his leadership will be missed as will his place in Calgary’s business community. 

Ernie’s love of Canada’s North was never more evident than when he spent time with his son Tim at Charles Lake, Northern Alberta. His passion for hunting, fishing and bush flying was well employed on the Canadian Shield during the time spent helping Tim build a life there. Two major canoe trips with good friends, one on the Horton River another on the Snake River, took him north once again and he loved the adventure it entailed.

Not content with adventure on the ground and on the water, Ernie took to the air in 2002 and earned his Private Pilot’s licence. He always wished he had begun flying earlier but made many flights around Alberta with friends.

Classical music was another of Ernie’s passions from his early days. His knowledge of composers and their works was amazing. He tutored students in music history and loved passing along his love of the genre. The Banff Centre was an important part of his life for many years, and he always looked forward to the International String Quartet Competitions and Festivals.

For ten years until 2016 he and Sandra spent six months of every year in Tucson, Arizona. Ernie loved taking the road trip down there, noting all the historically important rivers they crossed. History in general enthralled him. The desert fascinated him, and he loved going out with his walking group and taking on the role of hike leader in the community where he lived. At the age of 70 he took part in El Tour de Tucson, a cycling event, and was thoroughly embarrassed at the finish line when his age was announced over the loudspeaker! 

For many years Ernie would get up very early on Thursdays and meet his Sunrise Breakfast Group friends. He often would be the first to arrive and sit reading the paper before sharing his insights and humour with his friends. The friendship of this group was very important to him, and he was sad when getting up this early was no longer possible! 

The care Ernie received during the last few years is immeasurable. The compassionate care provided by the Cardio-Oncology Clinic and Cardiac Amyloidosis Clinic at the South Health Campus was deeply appreciated. Special thanks go to Dr. Robert Miller, and to Lyndsay, Nurse Clinician, who was always just a phone call away. She was our “special angel.” 

If friends so desire, the family suggests donations be made in memory of Ernie through the Amyloid program, website: 

https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/research/amyloidcalgary/donate.  

In loving memory of Ernie a tree will be planted in the Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area. 

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Ernie’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com 

A private family gathering to celebrate Ernie’s life will be held at a later date. 

For every single day of his 83 years Ernie was loved. He will be missed.