June 6, 1955 – January 7, 2013
With profound sadness we announce the sudden death of Ernie Shumsky, of Calgary, Alberta, formerly of Fort McMurray, Alberta.
Ernie was born and raised in Grimsby, Ontario and graduated from the University of Waterloo in 1979 as a chemical engineer. With his loving wife, Barbara, he came west to Alberta to join Suncor Energy that same year.
Ernie was a bear of a man with tons of energy, enthusiasm and a quirky sense of humour. He loved people and they loved him back. A man of many passions, he was adventurous with a rare and boundless zest for life.
Ernie played football and lacrosse at Grimsby High and his commitment to the teams ruled his young life. Ernie remained an avid sportsman, pursuing such passions as skiing in the mountains he loved. At the age of 56, at Banff’s Sunshine Village, he persuaded the Ski Patrol to jump with him at Delirium Dive! He was very proud that an old guy like him still had it! Golfing gave him time to share with friends and to decompress from the many stresses of life. He played 18 holes on the day of his untimely passing. He also loved to dive and hoped in retirement to get back to the bubbles.
At Suncor, Ernie was highly regarded over his 33-year career as a chemical engineer, an operations supervisor, and his progression through many levels of seniority. He was intuitive, diligent and detail-oriented; a principled and an ethical colleague; a mentor to many; and a consummate perfectionist committed to the pursuit of his craft. Operability, safety and maintenance were key in carrying out his work and the many projects he oversaw.
While some may look to the physical assets that resulted from Ernie’s work, those fortunate to know and work with Ernie remember him for his ability to forge and work with teams of people able to achieve the impossible. He was drawn to the many challenges presented and surpassed them at every turn. Ernie contributed in a significant way to the growth and success of the oil sands industry.
Raised in the Orthodox Catholic faith, Ernie followed the path of a truly Christian man.
Ernie is lovingly remembered by Barbara, his cherished wife of 40 years; Max, his shih zhu; siblings Paul (Susan) and Christine; father-in-law Kevin J. Manning; brother-in-law Daniel P. Manning (Sharon Parsons), niece Colleen (Andy Pequegnat) and great nephew Riley Ernest; by Joan Manning and Herk and Rose Phillips; and by the Gayowski, Manasterski and Connor families.
Barbara expresses her sincerest love and thanks to Mike Hutchen and Lori Friesen of Sidney, BC, who worked so valiantly to save Ernie; to the Saanich EMT team; to McCall’s Funeral Services for their speedy and respectful support and service; and to Fr. Luyen Dau, CSSR of St. Andrew’s Cathedral who brought the spirit of the Lord and Mother Mary to her in her grief. Special thanks to the amazing “Wings Gang” social group and Suncor Energy for their support and kindness.
Ernie was cremated and a Celebration of Life was held. Tributes in Ernie’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stoke Foundation (heartandstroke.ca) or The Alberta Cancer Foundation (www. albertacancer.ca). Condolences may offered to the family below.
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Darrell
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Len de jager I am sorry to see the passing of a good friend in high school he was a bright individual,top in our class
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Toni Paolasini I went to school with Ernie in Grimsby and got to know him a bit better in my first year at University of Waterloo, but lost touch as Ernie went on with the co-op program in Chemical Engineering. I agree with Ms. Lillico and have to echo that when we saw Ernie at the high school reunion in the 1990’s he was voted the most handsome classmate of all.
It is not fair when life is cut short for a passionate, adventurous and well-liked person. Trusting that good memories will help to replace the sadness.
Toni Paolasini, Toronto
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Bob Wells- Ajax ON With great sadness I read of Ernie’s passing in yesterday’s National Post. Remembering Ernie as a solid friend in the late 60’s while attending Grimsby High brought back fond memories. Besides playing lacrosse together, we were both members of the 69 Junior Eagles football team winning the regional championship. Our family moved on in the early seventies, but I was thrilled to reconnect with Ernie at our High school reunion in 1993, and learn of his accomplishments. I’ll never forget the awesome handlebar moustache he was sporting at the time. To read this very moving obituary proves to me Ernie never changed… He stayed the course, impacted others along the way, and finished well! Please accept my heartfelt condolances for the days ahead.
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Bob and Jean Bacon Dear Barbara,
We were shocked and saddened to learn of Ernie’s untimely death in yesterday’s National Post. He looked and sounded so healthy when we recently spoke to him and we were really looking forward to you both becoming our full time neighbours.Please accept our condolences. We pray that you will find the necessary strength in your time of sorrow.
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Marilyn Martin I was so saddened to read of Ernie’s sudden passing. Ernie was in my Grade 7 class in 1966 at Central School…my very first year of teaching. I remember him as a truly wonderful student. I just pulled out that class picture and all the students personally signed it and there was his name. I am so proud of his accomplishments over the years and his adventurous lifestyle.He obviously was an amazing man.My condolences to Ernie’s wife and family. I am glad to have been a very very short part of his life.
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Jimmie Hill I am from Grimsby, born and raised, I went to school with Ernie and Christine, actually Ernie was ahead of me in school, Christine and I were the same year. I left Grimsby in 1975, by myself to seek out “new” adventures, and when I left town, certain people come to “mind” over the years, the past 38 years, Ernie and Christine are some of those folks you just wonder what happened to them.Ernie had it all, good looking guy and his sister Christine a good looking gal, and you know I always wanted to ask Christine out, but Ernie was a pretty big lad, and was “Big Brother” watching.
Ernie, was a nice man indeed, the kind of guy you wanted for a mentor, as I said he had it all, good looking, smart, great at pretty well anything he put his hand to, and in reading the obituary he definitely accomplished his directional stability in life, never wavered at all.It seems in his life, he has impacted unpretentiously to those around him. That is Ernie!
In his recent passing,he has impacted upon me in death, Ernie was a year older than me, and I just retired from Hydro One in Ontario, 33 years, Nov.1 /2012, I was offered, a position with the Hydro Company, Edmonton, Alberta, and I accepted, by which I am writing this note from the office, in Edmonton,I came here “seeking” more adventure, you know what Ernie, I will never measure up to your adventures, and you have shown me life is too short, I think I may reconsider my thoughts and head home.
Ernie, was a gentleman, and the people that surrounded him in his life,are lucky folks!
Jimmie
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Pat and Ted Doleman We are so sorry for your loss. It was an annual ritual to stand at the back of the church every Christmas wishing we had arrived just a little sooner. Ernie was one the first people I met at Suncor, one of the nicest guys I worked with, and our prayers are with you.
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Sharon Lillico I am so sorry for your loss! Ernie was quite the personality in high school. I remember when he came back for the high school reunion. WE all were amazed that of all the men, he was the only one who looked better than he had in highschool. MY prayers and support are with you at this sorry time.
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Kate and Brett Cook Brett and I are so saddened by Ernie’s passing. He was truly a giant among men because of his extreme kindness, attentive friendship and zest for new adventure. We have always enjoyed hearing of the exciting places you two have discovered and enjoyed. We treasure our times with you in PV. It was fun to tease “Ernesto” about his driving, getting mistaken for a local and his picture taking! We also had such fun trying places you had discovered…as you know, we love our food nearly as much as Ernie.
Ernie’s ever positive attitude made everyone feel at ease. He was a listener as well as one that could converse on any topic. His kindness and intelligence constantly shone in his easy smile.
We will miss him but we are so grateful that we were able to share a small, fun part of his life.
We are so sorry to miss his celebration of life. Please know that we will be raising a toast to him. You need to know that you are in my thoughts so often during the day. I can’t imagine what you are going through. I hope the MANY memories you have made together can comfort as you find your way to the future. Ernie always knew what an extraordinary woman he married and was so proud of all you did and accomplished. He would light up when he relayed a story of one of your adventures or discoveries. Please take comfort in the wonderful years you had..you two are an example for us all.
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Mick & Gloria Michalenko One of the most thoughtful person which I certainly have ever met. On the golf course he would take a 7 and give you 2 of his 7 if you wanted.On a friendship meter he was at the top, and a class of his own, a man who relished the true meaning of friendship, and the best present one would give ones self. You will truely be missed.
Mick & Gloria Michalenko
As I near my retirement I look back at the leaders who Molded my career. Ernie was a huge influence, mentor, friend and coach. Thank you Ernie. What you have instilled in me as a leader has been handed down to the next generation. It’s hard to see the folks I tried to emulate pass on and I begin to reflect on my own influences, thank you for caring, say hi to Mike for me.