EARNEST (ERNIE) JOSEPH BRANCONNIER

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

EARNEST (ERNIE) JOSEPH BRANCONNIER January 6, 1947 - May 3, 2012 Peacefully after a courageous battle with Cancer it is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ernie, on May 3, 2012 at the St. Boniface Hospital, at the age of 65, in the arms of his loving partner Marlene. Ernie loved to play and watch hockey and continued to play until his health would no longer allow him. He loved to look at the stars and was always looking into the night skies. He enjoyed the outdoors and would go camping, fishing, walking and exploring in the woods. He would go for walks in the park or just lie in the sun and catch some rays. He was a proud Ironworker (Local 728) for over 30 years and worked all across Canada until he retired in 2003 due to his health. Ernie is survived by his loving partner Marlene and her son Craig Guiboche. She cared for him at home, stayed with him at the hospital and was with him when he took his last breath; right to the end, the two of them together, just the way he wanted. He is also survived by his two sisters Stella (Tom) Williamson and Irene (Rick) Dunlop of Saskatoon, SK., his three brothers, Roy Branconnier of Winnipeg, MB., Peter Branconnier and Johnny Branconnier of Saskatoon, SK., as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Albert and Laura (Lucier) Branconnier, his brother Melvin Branconnier and infant sister Simone Branconnier. As per Ernie's wishes his funeral service will be at the Ste. Claire's Roman Catholic Church, San Clara, MB, Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. His final resting place will be with his parents and brother at Ste. Claire Parish Cemetery, San Clara, MB. Thank you to the doctors, nurses and healthcare aides of the St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care Unit for all their compassion and care and keeping Ernie comfortable in his final days and his friends that visited. We were together for years and apart for awhile but we found each other again; I guess it was meant to be. I miss you. Love you always. Marlene.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 01, 2012