Ernst (Ernie) Bleiker (age 87) passed away suddenly on May 1, 2022 in Victoria, British Columbia.  Born in Wald, Switzerland on January 2, 1935 to Emilie (nee Stüdli) and Ernst Bleiker, he will be greatly missed by his wife Verna (nee Sarty), daughter Kathy, son David (Sharon), brother Hans (Annemarie), sister Verena Frischknecht (Hans) and grandchildren Emilie and Joshua.

Ernie moved to Canada in 1957 and married Verna in Cobourg, Ontario in 1962. He was a carpenter by training, worked in construction, and then bought a small farm near Uniondale, Ontario where he ran a small business. Ernie loved to explore Canada. He drove his family from coast-to-coast for summer vacations, camping, canoeing, and looking for wildlife along the way. Ernie renewed his passion for woodworking after retiring to Victoria, British Columbia.  He was a longtime member of the Wood Turners Guild and Wood Workers Association and he very much valued the friendships he developed in those groups.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Victoria Hospital Foundation, a hospital near you, or a charity of your choice.

Please join us for an in-person celebration of Ernie’s life in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Dr., Victoria, on Monday, May 9, 2022 at 10:00 am. For those unable to attend in person, please join us virtually.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88635089898?pwd=OEpZeW1pOFNKMS9ia3kyeldMeUpUQT09

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

  • Hans Beiker

    Verna, Kathy, and David … you-all put a very nice, loving memorial video together! … Thank you!!

    I find it very difficult to accept the reality that he no longer is with us … I thought that, as time went by, I would find it easier to accept …

    Even though it’s many years since we were digging those potatoes im “Schwarzengrund”, I swear I can still feel the dirt between my toes as if it just happened.

  • Lukas

    Dear Verna and Family, although we didn’t see Ernie very often, it was a special moment each time. As a schoolboy, we were proud to tell others that our uncle was coming to visit from Canada.
    We will keep him as our “Onkel Ernst” in memory. Wish you much strength and cohesion in this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you. Sincere condolences and love from Switzerland.
    Sandra & Lukas Frischknecht

  • Nancy Bittner

    Dear Verna, Kathy, David and Family,

    We are so very sorry for your loss. Ernie was a wonderful friend and neighbour to us for over thirty years. His kindness, support and friendship will be remembered and treasured always. We were fortunate to have known him and we will miss him.

    Nancy, Barry, David and Robert

  • Donna Cooper

    Verna, Kathy, David and Family – so sorry for your sudden and sad loss. When you lived in Uniondale we had lots of good times together. Ernie was a great guy, sure will miss him. I pray God will be with you all at this difficult time.

    Sincere Sympathy, Donna Cooper

  • Gail Kavelman

    Dear Verna and family,
    I am so sorry for your loss and I will definitely be in touch with you in the next few weeks.
    I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Ernie but I am looking forward to hearing from our church family about all the wonderful memories they have of Ernie and your family.
    Please accept my deepest respect and sympathy during this time.

    Pastor Gail
    East Nissouri Union church

  • Jean Haley

    Dear Verna:
    I just read the obituaries in to-day’s paper and saw that you have lost your husband. Please accept my sincere condolences as I know how close you were as a couple. I know that you will be able to lean on your children as they have been close to you but you will be strong and get through this troubling event, even though it seems insurmountable at the present time.
    Thinking of you.
    Love,
    Jean Haley

  • Dale & Coralee Foster

    Kathy, Verna, David & family – We are so sorry to hear that Ernie has passed away. He was a talented man who was always a pleasure to talk to. I know you’ll all miss him so much. Dads are irreplaceable.

    Love, Coralee, Dale & family

  • Beverley Cain- Lynch

    Verna and family….I am so sorry to learn of Ernie’s passing. Bob and I enjoyed your visits to our home and especially loved visiting you in Victoria.
    Please take comfort in the memories of your life together. I am sure that he is watching over all of you .
    I hope that we will get together while you are home and I will get to meet your family.
    Love, Bev Cain-Lynch

  • Stew Slater and Mari Veliz

    Fond memories of time spent playing at the Bleiker farm. We’re sending prayers for strength. Be comforted by the fact that Ernie’s legacy of compassion and goodwill lives on in his children and grandchildren.

  • Barbara McLeod

    Verna and Childern,sincere message to say I am very sorry to learn of Ernie’s passing. At this time I remember as a child you being here and staying with our family and what a kind person you were..
    God Bless you and your family.

  • Jocelyn Sarty

    Very sorry to hear of the sudden loss of Ernie. Unfortunately I only got to meet him a couple of times when you were visiting in Nova Scotia.
    My sincere condolences to you and the family. May you find strength within and with the loving support of family and friends.

    Hugs
    Jocelyn Sarty

  • Tracey (Slater) Galloway

    We are so very sorry to learn of Ernie’s passing. He was a patient neighbour with all the shenanigans we got up to as children. He endured many grilled cheese lunches with us and never failed to offer to share his Limburger cheese. My brothers and I have wonderful memories of playing in Ernie and Verna’s home and around the farm. Thinking of you all today.

  • Rae & Barb Brocklebank

    Verna, Kathy and David & family. Rae & I were so sorry to hear of Ernie’s passing. Lots of memories of your family when you were across the road from us. Ernie always seemed to be on hand to help when I had difficulties. He will certainly be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincere sympathy. Rae & Barb Brocklebank

  • Stephen Hutton

    Verna, David, Kathy and family, so sorry to hear about your loss.
    I still have a lot of great memories when you lived in Uniondale.Ernie will be missed but not forgotten. Thinking of you guys at this time!
    Stephen and Stephanie Hutton

  • Jenn Boyd

    Verna, Kathy, David and family, sending our sincere condolences. I remember many fond memories of your father, growing up across the road. Treasure all of the memories you made together. Sounds as though you’ve made them across the country.
    Jenn (Brocklebank) Boyd and family.

  • Gail Adams

    Verna, Kathy, David & family- so sorry to hear of Ernie’s passing. A very compassionate fellow, always had some humour when chatting to him. Lots of good memories when you all lived in Uniondale,On.
    Hugs to you all. Keep your memories close to your heart.
    Gail & family.❤️

  • Ray Steege

    David and Family we at Wood are so sorry for your loss. Ernst seemed like a very warm hearted soul with a love of nature. The suddenness of his loss i am sure weighs on you all greatly. Our thoughts are with you during this time and we hope that you lean on your memories of the good times together to help lessen the pain you feel of his departure. May God bless you all during this difficult time

    Ray

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