ERNEST KENNETH McLEOD

It is with great sadness that the family of Ernie McLeod announces his passing, with family by his side, on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Ernie was born on Feb. 1, 1927 in Chapple Township to Thomas and Polly McLeod.
The family moved to Blackhawk, Ont. when he was two. He was raised on the family farm, attending school there. He moved to Fort Frances at the age of 17.
Ernie joined the Army in February of 1945 and was released in August at the end of the war; he served for two more years in the reserves. He then joined the local paper mill, working there for 38 years, retiring in 1987.
Ernie was a dedicated worker and put his full effort into everything he did. He also loved to work with his hands, creating toys, houses, and furniture. His grandchildren each received a handmade toy box from him.
He loved to spend time at the property in Northbranch, watch sports, and take long drives in the country.
He was united in marriage to Barbara Field on May 2, 1947 and together they raised three children, Carol, Jane, and Mark. He lost her to Alzheimer’s and she passed away on Aug. 21, 2004.
He was fortunate to find love again with Hilda Tkachuk and they were united in marriage on Oct. 8, 2005.
Ernie will be greatly missed by his wife, Hilda; children, Carol (Robert) Readman, Jane (David) Ferguson, and Mark (Donna) McLeod; grandchildren, Robyn Readman, Todd (Jennifer) Readman, Kirk Readman, Lana Ferguson, Jason (Christine) Ferguson, Christopher Ferguson (Jennifer), John McLeod, Sarah McLeod (Rob), Jennifer McLeod (Mathieu), and Margaret McLeod (Chris); and 12 great grandchildren.
He also is mourned by his stepson Bob (Mary Beth) Tkachuk; brothers, John (Judy) McLeod and William (Pat) McLeod; sisters, Evelyn Robins and Shirley (Eric) Cates; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is survived by sisters-in-law, Crete McLeod and Karen McLeod, and brother-in-law, Blaine Thierry.
Ernie was predeceased by his parents; first wife, Barbara; sisters, Rose Campbell, Christine McLeod, and Elizabeth Thierry; and brothers, Lawrence, Robert, and Donald McLeod.
A visitation will be held Monday, Jan. 16, 2017 from 7-9 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, with Pastor Brian Keffer officiating.
Interment will take place in the Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances.
The pallbearers will be John McLeod, Jason Ferguson, Chris Ferguson, Kirk Readman, Josh Mills, Kyle Batson, Liam Swartz, and Alexis Ferguson.
An honour guard will be provided by the Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29 Colour Party.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church or the Kenora/Rainy River Lung Association c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com