With saddened hearts but grateful thanks for a life well lived, the family of Ernie Smith wish to announce the peaceful passing of their husband, father, grandfather, and brother on Monday August 22, 2022. Ernie was born in Stratford on February 12, 1937 to the late Kenneth and Gertrude (Baker) Smith.
Ernie is survived by loving wife of 60 years Thelma (Steinacker). Loving father of Lynne Musselman (Ron) and Kevin (Lesley). Grandfather of Julia, Erik, Brandon (Carissa), Kyla (Dan Greenberg) and Nole. Brother of Barry (Margo). Also survived by sisters-in-law Reva Smith, Yvette Smith, Nora Martin (Emerson), Lorene Morrice, Hazel Hislop (Joe), Ruth McMahon, Jodie Connor and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by brothers Doug, David, sister Ruth Bothwell (Fred), brothers-in-law Gord Morrice, Mike McMahon, Eric Steinacker and Art
Connor.
On June 30, 1962 Ernie married his loving partner for life at Sebastopol Lutheran Church in Tavistock. They started their life and family in Stratford.
Ernie was employed at Kroehler Mfg for 37 years. After their closing he spent his favourite working years for The City of Stratford at the Anne Hathaway Day Care Centre
These were fun years as he thoroughly enjoyed his time there because of the staff and all the children he met.
In retirement Thelma and Ernie were able to travel alone or with friends to many places throughout the world. He was always excited to get home to tell the family and friends of their adventures.
Ernie was an avid athlete. In his younger years he enjoyed playing hockey and baseball. Later in life he developed a love of golf and played at the Municipal Golf Course for 20 years. Here again he made many great friends and celebrated with old ones too.
Ernie was not only a player of his beloved sports but also a coach. He mentored many youth through both Stratford Minor Hockey and Stratford Minor Baseball. During these years of coaching Ernie experienced many team successes and triumphs but the lifelong friendships with both players and parents were what he treasured the most. On a personal level an exceptional high Ernie was honored with being named coach of the year one season.
Once Ernie’s coaching and playing days were over his focus and passion became his grandchildren and their lives. He took great pleasure from this and became the biggest fan of all his grandchildren and all that they were passionate about. Whether it was dance, hockey, baseball, volleyball or musical theatre he and Thelma spent countless hours in attendance cheering for the kids and their teammates.
After a diagnosis in late 2018 of Lewy bodies Dementia Ernie found himself in need of special care and has lived at Knollcrest Lodge in Milverton since Dec 2020. We are forever grateful to the staff and generous care givers that have been invaluable to Thelma and the family for your support and dignified care of our precious Ernie. Thank you will never be enough.
Throughout his life Ernie was liked and well respected. Ernie loved life, lived well and was thankful for his family and friends.
The name Ernie Smith was synonymous with a smile.
A celebration of Ernie’s life will be held at the Stratford Municipal Golf Course, 251 Norfolk Street, Stratford on Thursday, August 25, from 1-4 p.m. with words of remembrance at 2:30 p.m. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Perth
County, Stratford Municipal Golf Course Junior Program or St. Stephen’s Anglican Church Roof Fund through the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford. 519.271.7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ernie Smith 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Stratford, Province: Ontario
Dear cousin Thelma:
Just found out today of Ernie’s passing from Ruth. My deepest condolences Thelma to you and the family. I do remember Ernie’s great smile.
Grant Schneider