Obituary of Ernie Wheadon

June 11, 1937 – Matamata, New Zealand

August 1, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Edward Ernest “Ernie” Wheadon, beloved husband of Lynn, passed away on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at the age of 87 years. He leaves behind his loving wife of 57 years Lynn (nee Oliver), son Blair (Cindy), grandsons Riley and Graycen, and daughter Ruth (Barry).  He will also be dearly missed by his brothers, David and Graeme; many nieces and nephews, and countless friends. He was predeceased by his mother Olive, father Ernest, as well as brothers, James “Jim” and Michael.

Ernie was born on June 11, 1937, in Tīrau​​​​​​​, New Zealand. He grew up on his family’s dairy farm, the oldest of five sons. He studied at Matamata College and graduated from the University of Auckland with a degree in Engineering in 1960. Ernie immigrated to Canada and fell in love with Alberta and the Rocky Mountains. His passions were hiking and skiing. He was an active member of the Rocky Mountain Ramblers and Skyline Hikers, along with the Calgary Winter Club and St. Davids United Church.

Ernie always put his family first. He loved his family and his home. He was incredibly supportive of his children's activities, taking Blair and Ruth to uncountable swim meets, ringette and soccer tournaments, not to mention Scout and Girl Guide events. He worked fundraising bingos, casinos, and other activities to support his children’s sports travel without complaint and was his wife’s and children’s biggest fan – often driving them to 5:00 a.m. workouts and practices.

He loved to travel. He and Lynn travelled to many exciting locations including Europe, Peru, the Galápagos Islands, Easter Island, and Antarctica, and he hiked in Nepal.

A memorial service and reception will be held in a few months, likely in January 2025.

Ernie will always be remembered for his dedication to his family, his love for hiking the Canadian Rockies, and his kind and gentle heart.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Ernie’s family here.

In living memory of Ernie Wheadon, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.