Obituary
It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Ernie Mushtuk, a beloved husband, father and grandfather.
Ernie was born on February 13, 1938, in the small village of Waugh, just north of Edmonton. In 1958, he got his first job in radio working in sales and copy at 630 CHED.
He met Olga in Edmonton in 1961. They married on July 10, 1965.
In 1968, Ernie and Olga, along with their eight-month-old son (Jason), moved to Edson where, along with the original partners, Chuck Benson and Ernie Mykyte, started CJYR (YR Radio). During the days of YR Radio, Ernie and friends created the Ukrainian Closed Golf Society (U.C.G.S). Contrary to what the name implies, it was not exclusive to Ukrainians. The group of friends created an annual tournament which lasted for 35 years. The YR Radio family used to like to have fun with radio and often created fictitious characters. Some may remember Horst Hoskolovich from River Bend.
Ernie continued to run YR Radio alongside the YR family, as he affectionately called them, until 1999 when it was sold to what is now known as Real Country West. During that time, Ernie and Olga raised their family with the addition of a set of twins (Dean & Lisa) and became a part of this community. Ernie was also involved in the building and running of The Pick n Lantern Pub (now the Moose Creek Hotel), Yellowhead Travel, Yellowhead Registries and the Sundowner Inn.
In his retirement years, Ernie continued to be an advocate of his community and area. He was a long-time member of the Edson Kinsmen (K40) where he published the monthly “Curmudgeon”. Ernie was also in charge of staffing the annual Kinsmen Slo-Pitch Tournament’s Beer Garden. He was also a helping hand on the 100th Anniversary Celebrations Committee that took place September 2011.
Ernie contributed greatly to our Town in numerous ways such as the years he spent on Town Council, being part of a team that sought to quantify commercial air travel to/from Edson Airport, volunteering his time on Yellowhead Synergy Group as well as assisting with the Parkland Lodge Expansion Committee, raising funds for furnishings in the Common Area.
Ernie had a great zest for life and was known as a kind, compassionate man with a great sense of humour. Although he said public speaking was one of his biggest fears, he was often asked to speak in public. This included speaking at the 1986 Alberta Winter Games held in Edson.
He had a deep respect for people and community involvement and his thoughtfulness and kindness touched all who met him.
Ernie is survived by his wife Olga, children Jason (Annie), Dean and Lisa as well as grandchildren Jaedinn and Awstten.
In respect of Ernie’s wishes, there will be no funeral services. He said that anytime you get together for a kubasa bake, he will be there.
The surviving family would like to thank all the people in the community and abroad for their support, wishes and condolences in helping us through this trying time. It is clear how many people Ernie touched. He will be deeply missed.
To send flowers to Ernest’s family, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ernest Michael Mushtuk February 13 1938 September 18 2021 (age 83)..
Death notice for the town of: Edson, Province: Alberta