It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Ernest Kinnersly, surrounded by family after a lengthy and courageous battle with dementia.
He is survived by his three children Jeff (Maureen), Linda (Bruce) and David (Wei) and his devoted wife Joan of 68 years who lovingly cared for him through to his final days. Papa to 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, Uncle Ernie to 28 nieces and nephews.
Having lost his own father at a young age, he left school prematurely to provide for his 3 siblings Noreen, Anne and Derek and his mother Sarah Nora. This no doubt contributed to his nurturing and generous personality. He would give you the shirt off his back, secretly stuff treats in his grandkids pockets and up to his final time always offer to share the food off his own plate.
Affectionately known as “the kid magnet” he spent countless hours with his seven grandchildren under precariously propped up homemade tents, sipping imaginary tea from miniature plastic cups and “playing” camping on the driveway in his VW camper van.
He embraced “vanlife” before it was trendy having bought a 1991 Westfalia on a whim, as was his style. Ernie and Joan roadtripped extensively in the US and Canada making a yearly trek to Myrtle Beach to enjoy the company of a growing group of friends and taking an epic monthlong trip to Newfoundland.
He was an avid sports fan and hobbyist with the ability to fix anything needing fixing or inventing gadgets to solve any problems arising. He was a lifelong tennis player having played at Tam Heather, especially enjoying his weekly Sunday morning games with the tennis guys AKA the choirboys and his son David. He also took on scuba diving and played baseball. He spent many years as a fine woodworker patiently passing on his skills to his daughter Linda and could often be found in the workshop with his grandchildren on stools building tiny birdhouses Following a deep dive into his ancestry by his son Jeff, they traveled together to England to explore his roots. Never being one to read instructions or ask for directions he had the uncanny ability to give solid advice nonetheless.
He was fiercely loved by his 7 grandchildren Erin (Yohann), Alana (Mark), Ali (John), Graeme, Lucas, Ella and Charlie and made lasting impressions on anyone lucky enough to cross his path. On June 4 he became a great grandfather for the first time upon the birth of his namesake Rory Ernest.
A special thank you to the caregivers at Seven Oaks Long Term Care 2nd floor for their loving care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers please eat your dessert first as finishing your meal prior was never a rule.
A celebration of Ernie’s (Papa) life will take place at a later date. Details to follow.
