Ernie Sollid

Ernie Sollid born in Bella Coola BC, October 21,1941. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, as the sun set on June 15,2026, at the Vernon Hospice House.

A descendent of Norwegian settlers, Ernie was raised on the family homestead in Hagensborg and the family ranch in Kleena Kleene Bc. He spent his early years speaking Norwegian, attending school in Hagensborg and exploring the ocean, rivers and mountains of the Bella Coola valley. After graduating high school Ernie attended the University of Victoria , where he earned his teaching degree specializing in secondary science and math.

Ernie married Marilyn Bewley, and together they began their life in Prince  George. There Ernie taught at Kelly Road secondary school. They welcomed two children Eric and Kirsten. The family moved to Vernon in 1973, where Ernie taught science, math and photography at the new Pleasant Valley Secondary. After returning to UVic to take computer science summer courses Ernie then returned to PVSS to start the computer science program. With great school district support he was able to beta test apple computers with software and connectivity of computers in educational settings.  During those years skiing and lake life became central to family life. A devoted father, Ernie was deeply involved in his children’s sporting activities and volunteered extensively at ski races. Ernie volunteered for a number of World Cup downhill ski races and went on to work as an official at the Calgary Olympics in 1988.

After his marriage ended, Ernie met his love, Gail. Together they made their home in Vernon. Ernie took early retirement in 2001. The following year he found a group of like minded no fear, adrenaline junkies to ski with Monday to Friday, “the pirates”. Then transitioning to golf and biking seven days a week for the rest of the year. Together with Gail Ernie spent twenty wonderful years of retirement skiing, fishing in Bella Coola, golfing, biking and travelling in all directions.

Ernie is lovingly remembered by Gail Crane; Eric Sollid (Allison Lutz) and Kirsten Sollid (Ryan Johnston); his grandchildren Edan, Elsa, Ruby and Ciel; his step family Tim Crane (Lisa Scarfe) and Katie Crane (Dwayne Briden).

At Ernie’s request, there will be no funeral service. Family and friends will gather privately to celebrate his remarkable life and the many memories he leaves behind. No flowers please, if you wish you can donate to the Vernon hospice house where Ernie spent his final days.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many healthcare professionals who cared for Ernie, including the teams at Vernon Community Dialysis Clinic, Kelowna general hospital, Vernon Jubilee hospital and Vernon Hospice House. A special thank you goes to the IFT transport teams, whose kindness and humor always kept him smiling.

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-546-7237

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: