Ernie McKelvie, 81, of Fort Frances, Ont., passed away Monday, Nov. 11, 2013 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances.
He was born Oct. 5, 1932 in Fort Frances to Ernie and Stella McKelvie.
Ernie grew up in Fort Frances, working with the Town of Fort Frances as a young man before moving on to Bell Canada. He started out laying lines for Bell, eventually becoming line manager and then moving to Dryden, Ont. to work as area supervisor.
He retired from Bell in 1997 after 33 years.
The family loved spending their summers at the cabin on Reef Point when the kids were growing up; they spent many hours fishing, boating, tubing, and visiting with their family and friends around the cove.
Ernie was friendly and welcoming, he enjoyed visiting, and spent many hours talking over a cup of coffee with his friends and retired co-workers.
He was willing to help out whenever possible, whether it was fixing something in the apartment complex, moving a couch, or just lending an ear; he was there for his family and friends.
Ernie leaves behind his children, Blake McKelvie, Brad McKelvie, and Lisa Jacques; grandchildren, Paige McKelvie, Jamie McKelvie, and Curtis and Britnney Jacques; and great-grandchildren, Alex and Brielle McKelvie.
He also is survived by his sisters-in-law, Irene and Sylvia McKelvie; stepchildren, Joe Wilson and Deidre McCool; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceased by his parents, Ernie and Stella; brothers, Joe and Walter McKelvie; sister, Ailene (Carl) Shabatura; and stepdaughter, Dessiree Wilson.
As per Ernie’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held in the spring.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Riverside Foundation for Health Care or the Sister Kenndy Centre c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomfortfrances.com
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