Obituary of Ernest Arthur Henderson

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HENDERSON, Ernest Arthur “Ernie”

Unexpectedly but peacefully Ernest “Ernie” Henderson passed away Tuesday, February 22, 2022 with his precious dog Kaden at his side, at 79 years of age.

Whither thou goest I will go…. Predeceased by his wife of 57 years and the love of his life, Patricia (McKee) Henderson. Ernie and Pat are now reunited, together forever.

Ernie was very proud of his family, loving father to Wade (Marcia) Henderson, Kim (Mike) Dick, Tara Henderson and Tracey Henderson. Cherished by his eight grandchildren Amber, Christopher (Michelle), Spencer, Steven, Terrance, Laura, Colin and Rebecca and his two beautiful great-grandchildren Rosalina and Zakery. He will be sadly missed by friends who are family; Biva, Sue (Mike) and Denise (Eric) with so many more but too many to mention.

Born in Listowel June 23, 1942, home for Ernie included North Bay, Ayr, Kitchener and Cambridge. Ernie is predeceased by his parents Phyllis Henderson and Lawrence Henderson (Marie) and his in-laws Vera and Creston McKee and brother Herb Townsend. 

Dear brother to Don (Judy) Henderson, Bill (Sandy) Henderson, Linda (Grant) Wolfe, Brenda (George) Vutskos, Gayle (Ken) Kritzer, Ed (Cindy) Henderson and Maryellen Townsend, brother-in-law to Paul (Linda) McKee and Don (Shirley) McKee, and loved by all of their families.

Ernie chose the honourable profession of Teaching. His passion to educate and make a positive impact on his students was done while building respect and friendships along his journey. Ernie’s presence was felt at Forest Hill Public School (’63-64), Margaret Avenue Senior Public School (’64-’66), Grand River Collegiate (’66-71), Laurel Vocation School (University Heights) (’71-76), Waterloo Collegiate Institute (’76-’86), Bluevale Collegiate Institute (’86-87) and Waterloo Oxford District Secondary School (’87-97). After retiring from teaching, Ernie couldn’t slow down so he worked and made new connections at Home Depot for several years.

Ernie loved life and held on to those moments filled with joy.  He was fun, full of laughter and one liners, stubborn, sarcastic, and hugely supportive to many. Ernie loved the water whether swimming in the backyard, cruising the British Isles or racing sail boats on the Seattle Slewp with his best friends. Ernie enjoyed playing cards like Cribbage, Bridge or School and he won most of the time. “Big Ern” to family, holiday gatherings always included a boisterous round of 99 which he loved as the game combined cards, math, strategy, competition, and playful jabbing.  Photography was a passion for Ernie who with help from a friend, he took, developed, and proudly displayed. Ernie was also a Royal Canadian Legion member for 45 years. A dog lover throughout his life, Ernie always had a four-legged loyal companion at his side. Ernie and Pat together loved music and entertaining, they are now with a number of lifelong friends dancing and celebrating together in heaven.

Ernie shared a few of the many things he is proud of. His top items included his marriage to Pat, his four kids, his grandchildren, great grandchildren, family and many, close life-long friendships. Sailing, photography, travel, music, theater, art, the story of his love for Pat and all that he taught his children over the years. This is just a glimpse to the many things in his life he prized. His legacy of integrity, love and humble character will continue to be cherished. 

Remembered by many, Ernie will be forever missed.  For the protection and safety of everyone masks will be worn and ask only those vaccinated attend in person. The service will be streamed at www.erbgood.com for those who are unable to attend. Visitation is scheduled at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street S., Waterloo for Friday, March 4, 2022 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the chapel of the funeral home on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with a lunch reception to follow in the Fireside Lounge of the funeral home.  Ernie’s interment will be beside his love “Trish” at the Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery in Kurtzville, at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Grand River Hospital Foundation – Cancer Care (www.grhf.ca) would be greatly appreciated.