STRAUSS:
Ernest (Ernie) Strauss, 85, died February 9, 2017 at the Rocky Mountain Village in Fernie, British Columbia.
Ernie was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Julie, and their daughter Melanie. Ernie is survived by his daughter Linda Armstrong, Linda’s husband Dave and their daughter Calley of Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Ernie is also survived by his son Allan Strauss of Cranbrook, British Columbia and daughter Chris Allison, Chris’s husband Rob and their sons Ryan and Connor from Red Deer, Alberta. Ernie is also survived by his sister Helen Brewer of Seattle Washington.
Ernie was born in Waldo BC, on June 21, 1931 and was the second youngest of seven children born to Herman and Ana. Ernie spent his life in the South Country settling in Newgate then Waldo and finally in Baynes Lake. Ernie was a hardworking man who put family first and enjoyed life to its fullest. Ernie started off working, farming with his father, at what is now Madera Ranch on Lake Koocanusa. Ernie moved into the lumber industry working at the East Kootenay Lumber Company and from there he bought his own logging trucks. Ernie and Julie married in 1955. Ernie went back into farming buying Rice’s Prairie in the Dorr area and resided in Waldo until the Libby Dam flooded the property in 1972. Ernie and the family moved into their new house in Baynes Lake and Ernie continued to reside there while farming and operating heavy equipment. Ernie retired from farming in 2001 and continued to reside in Baynes Lake until 2015.
Ernie had a love of the outdoors and enjoyed his life in the South Country where there were many opportunities to garden, hunt, fish, farm, camp and enjoy the beauty of the countryside. Ernie actively participated in his community contributing his musical talents on the accordion to many socials. He was a dedicated Lions Club member for many years and contributed to the refurbishing of the Baynes Lake Community Center, his efforts were recognized when he was awarded Lions Club Member of the Year.
A funeral service was held February 15 at Cherished Memories “Serenity Chapel” in Fernie.
Memories & condolences shared at www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.