Obituary of Ernest Whitehead

Ernie felt a deep and abiding connection to family and land, so it is fitting that he died on the family property at Eagle Bay. He joins the legacy of Whiteheads who went before him. Ernie was an enormous presence in the lives of many and his loss leaves an aching void in the hearts of all who knew him. We shall miss his love and his laughter that was so generously given. Ernie fulfilled his childhood dream to become a pilot. His early years with P.W.A. included flying to the Arctic, and Africa; then domestic and North American routes with P.W.A, Canadian Airlines, and Air Canada. He was a careful and conscientious pilot and many thousands of people flew safely in his hands. Left to grieve with precious memories are his wife Paddy and their son Stephen; sister Bunny and brothers Joe, Jack, Carl, Kahn and their families; sisters in-law Jean, Elizabeth, and their families, alongside the large extended family that meant so much to Ernie. Ernie was both ‘handsome AND handy’. He had the heart of a poet, and the soul of a woodsman. Affectionately nicknamed “the King of Korn”, his one liners will be missed forever. His family wishes to honour Ernie’s life by sharing stories, tears, and laughter with those whose lives he touched. Stephen would cherish receiving written memories that he can keep as a reminder of the man his father was in the hearts of so many. A gathering to honour Ernie will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. In living memory of Ernie Whitehead, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.