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
17 Responses
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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