Ernest (Ernie) Villiers Love

July 23, 1936 – Nov 12, 2024

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Ernest (Ernie) Villiers Love, beloved husband of Lorna Love for 63 years; brother to Diane Love, father of Linda, Tom (Chris), Scott (Teri), and Jim (Janice); grandfather of Calvin, Mitchel, Brooklyn, Thomas, Brittany, Rachel, and Jameson.

Ernie was born in Toronto, Ontario to Edna and Thomas Love. He died of old age at 88 years in Vernon, BC. Ernie lived in Vernon for over 36 years with his wife Lorna, who died four years ago.

Ernie grew up in a working class neighbourhood near the Don Valley before it was developed. He talked of the fun he had exploring the nearby woods and being part of air cadets, through which he got the opportunity to fly on B-25 Mitchell Bombers.

His family moved from Toronto to Saskatoon by train when Ernie was 17 years old. His father had gotten a job with SaskPower and soon Ernie was also working there.

Ernie loved history and especially the frontier period. While sifting for arrowheads at the Broadway Bison slaughter site, he met Bill Gossen, who became a lifelong friend.

Ernie collected old rifles and muzzle loaders. In his late 20s, he met several others who also loved muzzle loaders and the frontier period. They initially rented land for a muzzle loading range but, within only a few years, they purchased a ¼ section of land west of Saskatoon where the Saskatoon Muzzle Loading Club (SLMC) still exists. Ernie’s family enjoyed the various shoots and events at the SLMC. Ernie was key in the establishment of the Louis Riel Race, which was popular in the 1970s and 80s. It was a multi-stage race where each phase of the race represented aspects of the fur trade. At one point, the SMLC acquired a cannon that had been used in the Battle of Batoche. For a few years, this was fired at the start of the race.

Ernie met Lorna Howard at a dance in Saskatoon, and were married on July 27, 1957 in Saskatoon. They raised their four children in the Mount Royal area of Saskatoon. In the mid-1960s, as an elder of the newly formed Mount Royal United Church, Ernie was key in securing land and leading in the building of a church that still stands today on Vancouver Avenue.

Ernie coached hockey when the boys were young and was also active in the Saskatoon Speed Skating club. His daughter, Linda, was on Canada’s national speed skating team.

Ernie and Lorna enjoyed the outdoors and especially hunting and fishing. There were many years where the freezers were packed with deer meat. The family also enjoyed going to Turtle Lake and other camping destinations in SK. On one occasion, an epic trip was made to Prince Rupert to sail on a ferry down the West Coast to Vancouver Island. Waden Bay at Lac La Ronge was a popular destination too, until Ernie and Lorna purchased land on the northwest side of Candle Lake in the late 70s. Besides family members, Ernie would entice friends of his sons to come up and enjoy lake life. After a few hours of everyone working on the cabin, there was lunch, beers, and beachtime. Many friends of the family enjoyed hospitality at Candle Lake.

In 1981, Ernie was promoted from foreman of a natural gas crew to the Occupational Health and Safety Office for SaskPower’s northern zone. This meant a move to Prince Albert, which made it easier to access the cabin and fishing. PA was home until Ernie was given a golden handshake retirement in his early 50s. Since their children had all moved out, Ernie and Lorna spent a couple of years at the cabin, traveling to Mexico in the winter months.

In the late 80s, Ernie and Lorna were camping in British Columbia. On their stop in Vernon, BC they had a real estate agent show them properties. This was part of their plan to retire in the Okanagan in a few years. They came across a somewhat run down property that Ernie saw had great potential. As Ernie said, “The bones are good.” They put in a low bid and were offered the property. He said they almost backed out, but persevered. Family pitched in to help paint and repair, including draining the swimming pool that had become a duck pond. Soon it became a lovely bungalow with a working swimming pool. They grew cherries, apples, peaches, and plums in the large, pie-shaped backyard. Ernie, who loved to garden, also grew massive tomatoes, garlic, and broccoli. He was proud too of the beautiful rose garden with its many varieties. 

Great times were had at family gatherings there. Bocce tournaments were both fierce and fun. There’s a large covered raised deck where many great barbecues and visits were enjoyed.

Even though Ernie lived a long good life, his love and humour will be missed. He relished joking with and pranking people. He was a loving husband and father, who knew when to work and when to be silly. One particular prank at Candle Lake stands out: Ernie acquired a dusty old one-eyed deer head mounted on wood. He nailed it inside the treeline across the road from the cabin. If you looked closely, it was just visible in the brush. “Look, a deer!” he would say. Many carefully tried to get close to snap a picture, only to realize that something was amiss. A good laugh was then had by all.

Ernie enjoyed good health for a man of 88 until a few months ago when he went into the hospital. His eldest son, Tom, with his wife Chris’s help, was a constant source of support for Dad in his final months. Ernie died in his sleep on the morning of Nov. 12^th at The Hamlets at Vernon. A small family graveside service will be held at Pleasant Valley Cemetery at 1:00 PM (PST) on December 5th. Email Jim at [email protected] if you would like to receive the link to the live stream of the graveside service or would like to watch the recording

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-558-0866

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