Ernie Hollingsworth
1938 - 2016
Surrounded by his beloved wife Shirley and their children, the Lord took Ernest Gordon Hollingsworth home to his eternal rest on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at the age of 77 years.
Relatives and friends were invited to Prayers at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 321 Main Street, Milk River on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at 7:00 P.M.
The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 321 Main Street, Milk River on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. Burial followed at the Milk River Cemetery.
Besides Shirley, his loving wife of fifty three years, Ernie is survived by their four children Sharon (Darren) Skretting of Vauxhall, Wes (Amy) Hollingsworth of Foremost, Todd (Marla) Hollingsworth of Milk River and Amy Hollingsworth of Medicine Hat; thirteen grandchildren Matthew Skretting, Brock Skretting, Tristan Skretting, Cade Hollingsworth, Reece Hollingsworth, Justin Hollingsworth, Rae Ann Hollingsworth, Nicole Hollingsworth, Stetson Hirsche, Bradey Hirsche, Jessie Hirsche, Lacy Hirsche and Tyce Hirsche. He is also survived by his siblings Stella (John) Hodgson, Marilyn (Bob) Johnson, Rick Hollingsworth, Joe Hollingsworth and by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Wesley and Laurene Hollingsworth, two sons Scott Hollingsworth and Derrick Hollingsworth and by his sister-in-law Wendy Hollingsworth.
Ernie was born December 15, 1938 and raised in the Watford area, Ontario before coming “Out West” to Alberta in 1956. Here, he met Shirley Unser and the two wed in July, 1963. He always wanted to own his own farm, so after working as a grain elevator manager in Etzikom and Foremost for a few years, he decided to give it up and buy a farm south of Foremost. A few years later, Ernie purchased another mixed farm in the Lucky Strike area east of Warner and Milk River. This farm was more suitable for raising hogs, which was a love of Ernie’s. On the family farm, he raised hogs, cattle, horses and grain. Having livestock was a real passion for him. Over the years, Ernie and Shirley also raised their six children, taught them the value of hard work and taught them to love their faith, family and community.
In 2002, Ernie retired from the farm to have his son Todd take over. Ernie and Shirley then settled into the town of Warner. Shortly after moving to Warner, he worked at what he affectionately called the “meet and greet” Warner landfill. There his giving spirit continued as he always kept a drawer full of chocolate bars and toonies to hand out to little ones who would come to the landfill with their parents.
As a dad, husband, grandpa and friend, Ernie leaves a legacy of laughter and love for his family. He loved stories about his grandchildren and was so proud of their accomplishments. He loved John Wayne and western movies, coffee with friends, horse races and playing cards with his grandchildren. He also took great pride in his garden and shared its bounty with all. He will be truly missed by all knew and loved him.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Ernie’s name may be made directly to the Muscular Dystrophy Canada, 5211 - 4 Street NE, Calgary, Alberta T2K 6J5 www.muscle.ca.