Obituary Overview
Ernest Albert Biddulph
Ernest Albert “Ernie” Biddulph, passed away at the Sherbrooke Community Centre, Veterans Village Nursing Home, on August 30, 2018, with great niece Chrystal Brown nee Gibb at his side. He will be lovingly remembered by his sisters, Marjorie (late Fred) Herman nee Biddulph, and Doreen (Edward) Walter nee Biddulph; and numerous extended family. He was predeceased by his wife, Gladys Biddulph nee Gibb; father, Robert Charles Biddulph; mother, Lillian Gertrude Biddulph nee Bain; brothers, Harold Biddulph, George Biddulph, and an infant brother; and sisters, Vera Goddard and Lorna (Ronald) Rohrke; as well as extended family. Ernest was born on November 2, 1923. In 1930, the family moved out to an area now known as the “Biddulph Natural Area” (Willow Eco Farm), located on Highway 219; and continued to farm on the land until 1945. Ernest served with the RCAF during WWII from 1942-1946 as LAC (Leading Air Craftsman) Ground Crew. Stationed at Almer, Ontario, then shipped overseas to Blakehill Farms, England, for 1 year, and finally transferred to Odiham, England, remaining there until June 1946, interm Airforce. During WWII, he was a member with the 437 Squadron (which is still active to this day), under Wing Commander, John A Sproule, who was the first Commander. He was shipped home in the fall of 1946, then sent off to Dawson Creek, in Northern B.C. There he worked on Hart Highway for 3 months, until being sent home due to medical reasons. Ernest then worked alongside his dad farming for 1 year, and then did minor employment on and off for a few years. In the spring of 1952, Ernest was employed with Siemens Transport for 2 years for long and short hauling. He also continued as a licensed mechanic at Riversdale Repair and Service on his family farm until 1962.
In 1962 he built the Riversdale Esso Service on Highway 219 and operated his business until 1974, when he sold his portion of the partnership to his brother-in-law. From 1974-1980, Ernest was employed with Bridge City Yamaha. During the duration of his employment there, he received a certificate with Harley Davidson. In the fall of 1976, he became engaged to Gladys Gibb of Viscount, SK, and they married in June of 1977. In 1980, he became employed with Canadiana as a mechanic, through which he became electrician and air conditioner certified; he remained here for two years. In 1984, he worked with Riverside Golf and Country Club as a mechanic for 10 years.
In the spring of 1995, Ernest was employed with Greenbryre Golf and Country Club as a mechanic for 13 years, until 2008, and then took retirement at the age of 80. During his retirement years, Ernest still enjoyed doing odds and ends in mechanics at Gladys’s brother’s (George) and nephew’s (Gary Gibb) farm. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, riding motorcycles, playing music, riding snowmobiles, and many travels throughout Canada, England, and Scotland (especially looking into family roots), history and photography. Throughout his travels, he and his wife had come into the possession of a RANSOME Tractor (used as a bomb trolley in WWII); it was refurbished and donated it to RCAF Saskatoon Club on Avenue C, in which it is displayed in front of the club to this day. Through the years he has been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, since 1946. Community and service was important to Ernest. He was a member of the Saskatoon Elks and Allan Elks and was President 3 times, and Past Exaulted Ruler 3 times; RCAF Association after being discharged from the forces; Lifetime member with the Allan Elks and Western Development Museum, Motorcycle Club Retreads, Bridge City Speedway (stock car racer); and a 4-H Leader for 4 years. He has helped out many family and friends throughout the years with his skills and care, and was always eager to give his knowledge and experience with electronics and mechanics. Ernest had lived on the family farm in between Cranberry Flats and Riverside Country Estates until 1992, when they moved to Saskatoon. In 2006, the love of his life of 31 years, Gladys, passed away on Dec 27, 2006. From 2006 to Oct 2015, Ernest was able to care for himself with his great niece Chrystal’s assistance. In Oct 2015, he moved in with Chrystal and her husband Glen. On March 30, 2016, Ernest suffered from a stroke on the right side of his brain, effecting his left side. After trials and tribulations, he became a resident of Veterans Village in June 2016. Earnest still kept up with his interests and hobbies of computer, photography, music, watching wrestling, and contacting family through Facebook, Skype, and over the telephone. He loved word books, reading, and many strolls and outings. A Funeral Service will be held at 2PM on Friday, September 7, 2018 at Hillcrest Funeral Home. For those so wishing, memorial donations may be made to Sherbrooke Veterans Village (401 Acadia Dr., Saskatoon). Arrangements entrusted to Lisa Bos.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Ernest Albert Biddulph 2018..
Décès pour la Ville: Saskatchewanatoon, Province: Saskatchewan
