The family invites you to watch the Celebration of Ernie's Life. Please click here

It is with heavy hearts but with much gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce Ernie's passing on Friday, May 17, 2024, surrounded by family.

His earthly journey began on March 14, 1940, in the family farmhouse at Sclater Manitoba. He was the fourth child born to Peter and Pearl (Typlitski) Burdeniuk. He grew up in Sclater, attending school at Sclater, Minitonas and Ethelbert. He went on to earn his BA and BEd and began a 36-year teaching career, retiring in 1995.

Ernie was a man of strong but quiet faith. He and Betty married in 1970 and three children were born to this union. He loved his family beyond words and was always there to inspire, to encourage and to take pride in their accomplishments, all the while instilling a strong work ethic. During his retirement he indulged in his favourite activities: hunting, fishing, gardening, farming, raising chickens, spending time with family and friends and cheering on the Leafs and the Bombers, often tossing in some bets at the local Pro-Line kiosk. He also took in an hours-old orphaned fawn and raised it until he could integrate it into a nearby herd. Although Ernie felt best close to home, he also enjoyed several winter vacations in the south. He was a country music fan with George Jones being his favourite artist. He attended many Jones' concerts and was thrilled to be able to visit the Possum's final resting place and estate on a trip to Nashville a few years ago. Coincidentally, the day before Ernie became ill, he expressed his love for his life and said, "What we have here is Heaven". It was a heartwarming moment. We are now confident that he knows what Heaven really is.

From a visitor's perspective, visiting Ernie was ever an adventure. There was always something new to see in "the shop", mushrooms to be picked or the elusive horseradish to be searched for. Visitors often got involved in one of his "small projects" like building a doghouse, repairing a swather canvas, hanging bird houses or trying to get an old tractor running. A visit to the shop always included a refreshing Pepsi.

Ernie is survived by Betty, his wife of nearly 54 years, his three sons, Darren (Christy), Trent (Lacey), Clinton (Jill) and seven grandchildren, Marley, Cooper, Hailey, Cody, Alexander, Addison and Kate. He is also survived by his sister Johanna, sister-in-law, Leona Burdeniuk, in-laws Marlene and Arnold Gal, Emery and Isabelle Gal as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends he made throughout his life's journey.

Ernie was predeceased by his parents Peter and Pearl, sister Ann, brother Bill, nieces Janice Burdeniuk and Cheryl Lasson, brothers in law Mike Olinyk and Harry Didyk and his in-laws, Margaret and Julius Gal.

We are grateful to the staff in all departments at Dinsdale Personal Care Home for the care they provided for Ernie during the past two and a half years.

A Funeral Service to Honour Ernie's Life will be held at Memories Chapel, 330 18th Street North, Brandon, MB on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. with Father Oliver Omega officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Rest In Peace Dear Ernie.