It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ernie Campeau, who passed away peacefully at his residence in Princess Court on July 8, 2024, with his family by his side.
Ernie was born in Stavert, Ontario, near Sault Ste. Marie. He was one of nine children born to Herve and Margaret Campeau. In 1963 Ernie was a Ranger with the Lands and Forest in Geraldton, Ontario. It was there that he met the love of his life, Bernice, and they were married two years later. The following year they welcomed their first child, Tina, and Tracey completed their family two years later. In 1970 their family relocated to Dryden where Ernie worked for the MNR until his retirement in 1992 as the Air Attack Supervisor. After his retirement from the MNR Ernie continued to work for a few years as an Air Attack Officer in various places across Canada and the US.
Ernie’s top priority in life was his family. He was devoted to Bernice, and always put her needs before his. He was fiercely protective of his daughters and didn’t hesitate to step in if he felt that someone had wronged them. He always made sure that they had an endless supply of seasonal fruits which he would drop off on their doorsteps daily. And he was so proud of his granddaughters, Jenna and Meg, and often bragged about their many accomplishments. Ernie’s son-in-law, Marty, was not only family, but he was also his chosen best friend, especially in his later years.
Anyone who knew Ernie knew that his second love in life was fishing. He had many tall tales about his fishing adventures and didn’t hesitate to share those stories with anyone that he met on the street. Ernie was also a bit of a prankster. He loved to play pranks on his family, and those who stopped to talk to him in the grocery store were likely to discover some random item had been slipped into their cart when they turned their back.
Ernie’s battle with dementia began in 2018. In his final year he resided at Princess Court, where he remained until his passing.
Ernie is survived by his wife Bernice (nee Doi), daughters Tina Oberg (Marty) and Tracey Langlais, and granddaughters Jenna (Jacen) and Meg. He was predeceased by his son-in-law, Leo Langlais.
The family would like to thank the staff at DRHC and Princess Court for the compassion that they showed to Ernie during his stays there. We would also like to thank the numerous people who would call us with “Ernie sightings” during his wandering phase when he began to sneak out of the house to walk to his favorite places like Canadian Tire, Home Hardware and Tims. These acts of kindness made it so much easier for us to find him and bring him home safely. We would also like to thank Dr’s Moir, Cortens and Bester for the care that they provided for him over the years.
“Dementia may rob us of our loved ones’ memories, but it can never erase the love we feel from them.”
Fish on Ernie!
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Donna says
July 10, 2024 at 5:07 pmSincerest condolences on the loss of Ernie my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. He always had time to talk and share his fishing stories.
Garry Stewart says
July 14, 2024 at 11:10 amMy condolences in the passing of Ernie. As a new aviation manager in Dryden in 1988 he helped me through some very difficult times and I had great respect for him.
Betty Williams says
July 10, 2024 at 8:52 pmMy condolences in the passing of Ernie. The long hard journey is over and he can Rest In Peace. I am sure that you have many wonderful memories to cherish of a life well lived. I am betting the Ernie,Dale & Bob are reliving all the great times they had as coworkers and friends.
Bill Vincent says
July 11, 2024 at 6:02 pmBernice and family
Our thoughts are with you at this time. For the past few years I have missed.my weekly visits with Ernie at Canadian Tire. We have many wonderful memories of times spent with “Ern and Bern” over the last 54 years. Ernie will be missed!
Bill and Susan Vincent
Marlene Barboni says
July 12, 2024 at 11:16 pmDeepest condolences to Bernice, Tina, Marty, Tracey and family. Ernie was one of a kind. I will never forget how patient he was will all of us when we were teenagers. The immense love he showed for his family was clear. May he rest in peace. Hugs to all of you ♥️♥️♥️
Deb Leonzio says
July 13, 2024 at 4:39 pmI was sad to hear the news of your father’s passing Tina. My deepest sympathy to you and Marty and to your Mom, Tracey and nieces. May he rest in peace 🙏
Shaun Case says
July 15, 2024 at 5:55 pmTina, Tracey, Bernice,
Our thoughts are with you. Your family was a huge part of my childhood and filled with fond memories.
Shaun and Lesley Case
Elaine Morton says
July 15, 2024 at 9:10 pmDear Bernice and Family….sincere condolences on the loss of your dear Husband and Father. May the Lord watch over you at this difficult time. The journey has been hard, but many good memories are left for you to hold in your heart. God Bless.
Brenda Campeau says
July 18, 2024 at 11:03 pmSending you condolences from his brother, Larry, who tells me that he is thinking of all of you. He plans to call you at some point Bernice, and I will help him to remember his plan.
Thinking of all of you as you say goodbye for now.
Brenda
Joni Alexander says
August 9, 2024 at 1:52 amWe would like to express our sincere condolences to the family. Barry and Joni 🐟💐
In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to Princess Court DECO Box 953, Dryden, ON P8N 3E3
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