Ernest WALLEY

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WALLEY: Ernest Christie Walley passed away peacefully in the early hours of June 5, 2019 under the excellent care and compassion of the Birch Lodge staff Hamiota. He was finally released from his 8 year struggle with Alzheimers. Ernie, the youngest of five, was born at Birtle June 23, 1925 to Ernest Albert Walley and Maude Effie Christie. After the completion of grade 12 in 1943, Ernie like so many of his generation joined the war effort by training as a bomber pilot. Following the war he joined his brother Jack in the family grocery business in Birtle. 1946 he married Maureen Newsham and they made their home on St. Clair St. Birtle, living in the same house for 67 years. During his working years Ernie spent many hours volunteering with Birtle Legion, Lions, Fire Department, Birtle Town Council. Fortunately just prior to the onset of Alzheimers Ernie wrote is own life story for the 2009 Birtle history book, “Passing It On”. His story can be found on the Braendle-Bruce Funeral Service site. In 1995 Ernie’s life changed significantly with the sudden loss of his beloved wife Maureen. He was also predeceased by his parents and siblings Jack (Alice), Reta (Bud) Duffy, Kay (Tom) Mathews, Jean and son-in-law Garth Sararas. Left to mourn are his children Donna, Betty (Barry) Davidson, Fred, grandchildren Kirby (Erl), Jordin (Carla), Stacey, Jayson (Becky), Deanna (Scott) great grandchildren Lyla, Drayden, Braylie, Jaylynn, Jordynn, Grady, Easton. The family would like to thank the great little community of Birtle for their help and concern when Ernie started his decline into Alzheimer’s. There was always someone to steer him in the right direction to find his way home. When it became too unsafe for Ernie to live in his home in Birtle he was moved to the Hamiota Nursing Home where he spent the last five years of his life. He was buried June 8, 2019 Birtle Cemetery in the Walley family plot.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 15, 2019