Tribute

Ernie Goertzen, aged 85 passed away peacefully at Cascade Care Home on June 5th.

Ernie was born in Hythe, Alberta, and moved with his family to Chilliwack in his youth. Leaving the family farm, he embarked on a career in construction, becoming a 1960’s version of a Vancouver commuter, living in Vancouver during the week while spending weekends back home. However, not long after, he made the decision to start up his own local construction company and a permanent home in Chilliwack followed.

In 1964 he married Betty Lou Dick and shortly thereafter built a family home on Prest Rd. Sons Robert and Ken were born, and family life ensued. Along with holidays, fishing and camping, Ernie spent a lot of time growing his construction company, building custom homes, agricultural buildings and the like. Evenings were often spent on the phone doing business, and it became a family tradition to not be on the phone when Ernie was using it for business, making and expecting calls. This was before all of us had our own cell phones .

In the 80s the family expanded as Chuck Stade became a permanent member of the family and helped solidify the presence of sports in the family dynamic. Eventually Ernie took on leadership of the Pioneer Building Supplies fast pitch team and many years were spent on the ball field with Betty Lou being the resident scorekeeper.

Later in life, Ernie’s career path took him to the Shuswap where he was an integral part of an original group of investors who designed and built a successful recreational resort. Along with Ken and his family, who also joined him in relocating, he spent more than 10 years in the area. During this time, he also renewed his love of horses and hunting. Spot and Red (yes, those were two of his horses’ names) were pleasant distractions when he returned to spend time in the Fraser Valley (his Chilliwack home). Given the many trips back and forth between the valley and the interior it also became a regular occurrence for him to upgrade his signature white truck every two years.

Ernie leaves to mourn his wife of 58 years Betty Lou, his sons Rob (April, Matthew, Olivia) and Ken (Leigh, Jordan, Jena). He also leaves behind an additional immediate family member, Chuck Stade (Delrene, Talon, Morgan, and Alice).

He is survived by his four sisters, Frieda, Margaret, Irene, Ruth and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, siblings Jake, Frank and Elizabeth.

Thank you to all the staff at Cascade Care Home for their love and support.

A private  family memorial will be held in July.  Online condolences can be made to Wiebe and Jeske. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meadow Rose Society.com in  Chilliwack.