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Entered into rest at St. Lawrence Lodge on Thursday, August 27, 2020. Ernest John White, at the age of 102 years. Beloved husband of Mabel (nee Hilton) and dear father of Charles White (Jan Oliver), Timothy (Lisa Cardillo) and Lance White. Ernie was predeceased by his daughter Donna Hilton (Mike Phillips survives). Also survived by his four grandchildren Jeremy White, Christopher Mussell, Samara Parker, Emma White as well as his three great grandchildren Charlie Mae Parker, Alexander and Hannah Mussell.
Ernie was a veteran of the Second World War who joined the armed forces as a private and left with rank of lieutenant. Later he became a captain in the Brockville militia. He overcame many obstacles in his life including being placed in an orphanage at the age of 5 ;being placed in a series of foster homes and having to end his formal education at a young age. Despite this he managed to succeed in a variety of work worlds.
After the war he was employed for a number of years by the Canadian National railroad. He then transitioned to a career as a journeyman carpenter which eventually lead to him becoming a building contractor. One can drive around Brockville and find 23 homes that he constructed. In 1959 Ernie joined Customs and Excise Canada where he remained until he retired in 1983. His first job there was an entry level position on what was then called the Ivy Lee bridge. By the time of his retirement he had been promoted a number of times. His final position was as a Senior Dominion Customs Appraiser.
During the war while undertaking officer training in Brockville he met Mabel Hilton at a dance. He would tell you his biggest accomplishment in life was persuading her to marry him. They were married for 76 years.
Ernie loved to socialize. He and Mabel had retirement homes in Florida and Peacock Point Ontario where they played golf, bowled and played cards. Nothing made him happier than a good game of euchre with Mabel and his grand children. He was also a skilled shuffle board player. Above all he loved to dance.
Anyone who met Ernie remembered him for his good nature and witty remarks. He was also a very sensitive and sentimental person who will be greatly missed by his family and friends
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Irvine Funeral Home and Chapel, 4 James Street East, Brockville on Wednesday, September 2nd from 1pm until 2 pm. A celebration of Ernie’s life will be held in the Chapel on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at 2 pm. Covid protocols and masks required.
Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Maitland.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Br. No. 96 or the Canadian Cancer Society will be gratefully acknowledged.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ernest Ernie White Thursday August 27th 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Maitland, Province: Ontario