STROCHER, Ernest Alvin “Ernie”
March 4, 1933 – February 8, 2022
With great sadness we announce the passing of Ernest “Ernie” Strocher on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 in Calgary, Alberta, at the age of 88.
Ernie was born and raised in Tomahawk, Alberta and later resided in Calgary, Alberta. Being raised on a farm taught him the essence of hard work. After he left the farm he trained as a welder. He began a career in the oil fields where he met his best friend Clarence Luft, who eventually became his brother-in-law.
Upon his arrival in Calgary in 1961 he began to work as a rug cleaner. He met and married Margaret Lois Lumb. During his after hours work day, he began to upholster his own kitchen chairs. With positive feedback from friends and family, this sparked what became his own family business successfully, eventually, bringing him into retirement.
Throughout the 70’s Ernie and Margaret were part of a trailer club called “The Calgary Sundowners”. He kept in touch with several members throughout his lifetime. When Margaret passed away in 1980, Ernie continued the family business. And stayed in touch with the Calgary Sundowners where he also met Lee. Four years later, Ernie married Frances “Lee” (Holmes) Tibbitt. They continued to use their fifth wheel to travel, as well as spending time together travelling abroad in Europe and taking cruises. Over the years, they took pride and joy in watching their 3 children (combined) grow the legacy of their extended family. In 2017, Lee passed away and Ernie missed her deeply. Throughout the years, Ernie enjoyed and excelled at wood-working and gardening; and as an “uneducated” Engineer, he was always thinking up creative ways to do things better.
Ernie is survived by his children, Karen (Dan) Watkins of Calgary, Joanne (Gord) Robb of Calgary, and Blaine (Rochelle) Holmes of St. Albert; grandchildren Curtis (Megan) Robb, Kevin Robb (Amber Unger), Stephanie Holmes (Andrew Flaro), Bradley Holmes (Alex McCarthy), Mason Watkins, and Alexander Watkins; his sister, Gertrude Strocher; and brothers, Ted Strocher, and David Strocher. Ernie was predeceased by his mother, Otilge (Tillie) Reich; his father, Walter Strocher; sister Adele (Strocher) Colby; and brothers, Harold Strocher, John Strocher, Ervin Strocher, Adolph Strocher, Karl Strocher and Herman Strocher.
A Memorial Service will take place at Pierson’s Funeral Services Chapel (4121 – 17 Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta) on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ernie’s name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta www.heartandstroke.ca (119 14 St NW #100, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6).
Please note that for this service the family has requested all those attending please present the QR Code proof of vaccination, OR a negative COVID test result in the past 72 hours OR a medical exemption letter.
Arrangements entrusted to Bridget Halfyard, Funeral Director
Cochrane Country Funeral Home – cochrane@piersons.ca – 403-932-1039
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of STROCHER Ernest Alvin “Ernie March 4 1933 – February 8 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Cochrane, Province: Alberta