Ernest "Ernie" Currie

Ernest Currie

On Wednesday, March 2, 2016, Ernie Currie of Portage la Prairie, MB, beloved husband of Janice Currie, passed away at the Portage District General Hospital, with family at his side.

Memorial service will be held in the chapel of the Omega Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at 1:30 PM with Wilma Shirriff officiating.

Interment will take place at a later date in Hillside Cemetery.

Ernie was born in Kildowney, Northern Ireland on March 12, 1945.  He immigrated to Canada with his parents; Hugh and Jessie Currie along with his two brothers; Bob and Raymond in 1957.  They sailed out of Belfast arriving at Quebec City after nine days on the ocean.  Travelling then to Winnipeg by steam engine, the family settled in the Carman area to begin their new home.

Following his father’s example, Ernie obtained a strong work ethic by trying out a variety of jobs.  He worked at farm labour, commercial ice-fished at Delta, pumped gas, delivered coke from Portage Soda Waterworks, drove an auto-carrier out of Winnipeg, hauled gravel and rocks during the construction of the Portage Division.  He always said there were jobs to be had; you only had to be willing to learn and work hard.

Ernie met Janice in 1965, and they were married August 23, 1968.  With Janice’s support, Ernie continued his education and enrolled at Red River Community College in Winnipeg. He car pooled there for four years, apprenticed with Plains City Electric and obtained his electrical journeyman’s papers in 1974.  During his electrical career, Ernie had his own business, worked for Phillips Cables, Campbell Soup and went on to become manager at Plains Potatoes, retiring after 25 years in 2000.  Never one to be idle, retirement was just another opportunity to find something else to do.  He took his Class I driver’s licence while working for Moon’s Construction, and later drove for Portage Transport.  Ernie was once again doing what he loved, driving trucks.

Ernie, Janice, daughters; Jill and Cheryl lived along the north side of the Assiniboine River for many years.  Ernie enjoyed the country-life while maintaining a large garden and yard.  He left his personal touch on the acreage with landscaping, erecting additional buildings and remodelling their home.  He enjoyed feeding the birds, walks along the river, and taking in nature’s beauty.

Ernie’s other interests included stock-car racing, snowmobiling, fishing, camping and travelling.  For relaxation, he dabbled in painting wildlife and woodcarving diamond willow canes.

Ernie was a member of the Kinsmen Club of Portage, K-40, and Vintage Cruisers Car Club.  During the summer, he and Janice, along with club members, travelled to many car shows.  Ernie’s pride was his 1963 Chev convertible. 

Ernie was a devoted husband and father.  He always looked forward to family and friends gatherings.  He had a very positive outlook on life and this carried him and his family through the difficult health issues he faced.

Ernie was proud of his Irish heritage.  Travelling to Northern Ireland to meet relatives and see the beautiful country was experienced with Janice and their daughters.  He always said, “Ireland pulled him home.”

Predeceased by his parents, Hugh and Jessie Currie of Portage. He leaves to mourn his passing his wife Janice, two daughters: Jill Currie (Danny McFadden) of Portage and Cheryl (Danny) Melo of Winnipeg and precious grandson, Parker. Also surviving are:  brothers, Bob (Marge) of Flin Flon, Raymond (Heather) of Minnedosa, and several nieces and nephews, and also cousins in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

He was dearly loved and will be sadly missed by his family and friends. 

The family would like to thank the staff at the PDGH, E.R., Cancer Care Unit, Palliative Care and Dr. Quesada for their care and compassion.

Should friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to Central Plains Cancer Care Services, 318 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 0K8

 or to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 200-310 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 0S6.

A tribute DVD in memory of Ernie will be produced by the Omega Funeral Home, condolences may be sent to the family c/o Omega Funeral Home, 83 Royal Road South, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, R1N 1T8, 1-800-303-4621 or friends may leave a message of sympathy on our web site www.omegafuneralhome.com “Dedicated to those we serve”.

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