It is with deep sorrow that the family of Ernie Desrosiers announces his passing on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 in Jaffray, BC at 83 years of age.
Ernie was born on August 11, 1930 in Cranbrook, BC. He was raised just south of Jaffray on his family's ranch in Sand Creek. His fondest memories from his younger years there were of rounding up the horses in the Mud Creek area and simply working on the family ranch. The family ranch was displaced by the Libby Dam in 1972 causing Ernie to leave his love of working his own land. He moved on to work at the Alberta Game Farm for a few months before returning to the Jaffray area he loved so much to marry his life-long love Marlene Onda on December 12, 1972. He and Marlene had courted for several years; having met in 1966. He then became the ranch foreman of the Steeples Ranch in Bull River, BC. In December of 1975, Ernie and Marlene purchased the Jaffray General Store which he owned until his passing. Ernie was also a local Brand Inspector for the Province of BC. Ernie loved to call and dance Square Dance, spend time on his property, affectionately known as "The Payne Place" and his old International trucks. Ernie felt strongly about volunteering in his community. He was an active member of the Sand Creek Recreation, the Sand Creek Community Club, the Waldo Stock Breeders Association and FOLKS (Friends of Lake Koocanusa Society). Ernie was a hard working man, honest, giving and kind. He will be deeply missed by his loving family, friends and community.
Ernie is survived by his loving wife Marlene of 40 years, his son Frank (Kelly) and their children Harper, Emmersyn, Jett and Summer and his daughter de Anna (Stephen) and their children Jessica and Vanessa, his sister Rita Gillespie (Charlie) and numerous nieces and nephews.
At Ernie's request there will be no funeral or memorial service. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honour of Ernie may do so to the: Jaffray Volunteer Fire Department or the Sand Creek Community Club.
Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.
Condolences for the family can be offered at:
www.mcphersonfh.com