March 28, 1938-May 12, 2022
It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend, Ernie Okrainec on May 12, 2022 at Pinawa Hospital, at the age of 84.
Ernie will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years Ann, as well as his two children Colleen of Winnipeg and Richard (Donia) of El Salvador. He is also survived by his grandchildren Matthew (Chelsey and daughter Amelia) of Lethbridge, AB; Samantha (Nick and son Jayce) of Yorkton, SK; Brittany (Brayden) of Dundurn, SK; Victoria (Lee) of Vancouver Island, BC; Edgar (Kate) and Stephane both of Calgary; sister Edith of Winnipeg, in-laws Amber (Ron), Fran, Leslie (Norma) and Aurie. In addition, he leaves many nieces and nephews, with a very special mention to his favourite nieces Deb and Heather of Thunder Bay, and his best friends Ed and Norma of Carberry and Wilf and Kim of Lac du Bonnet.
Ernie was born and raised on the family farm in Brightstone, MB. He met his soulmate Tip (Ann) while working at a Ontario Hydro in Silver Falls, ON. The couple married in 1959 and moved back to Manitoba. Ernie worked for Atomic Energy of Canada. To say he loved baseball was an understatement. In later years Ernie and Ann retired to Selkirk where he spent many hours crocheting toques for children in need.
Because of an ongoing concern of COVID, a private family funeral service was held and Ernie was buried in the Brightstone Cemetery.
Thank you to Drs. Bruneau of Pinawa and Prematilke of Selkirk and the staff at Pinawa Hospital all the care and compassion they showed to Ernie.
Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu, please consider making a donation in Ernie’s memory to the Lac du Bonnet Arena Foundation or any school lunch program or a charity of your choice.
Offer Condolence for the family of Ernest Okrainec
Print This Obituary & Condolences
Rose Klym
Ann …I am shocked to hear of Ernie’s passing. Our condolences to and your family. I have thought of you often in the last while wondering where and how you were doing. Keep all your memories close to your heart and may God’s ease your pain.
Rose and Barry
Ron Van Mierlo
I am very sorry for the loss of your father
the thing i rememember about your dad was his love of sports
Ron
Colleen
Thank-you Ron, Colleen Okrainec
Tracey Drabyk-Zirk
Ernie holds a special place in many hearts, including mine. Ernie’s generosity was evident whether it included contributions to a community facility, a sports program, caring for an orphaned pet or, through the keepsakes and useful items that he regularly gifted.
We shared many laughs over the years and each laugh and visit is treasured. Truly an honour to have Ernie in our circle of friends. Rest in Peace Ernie.
Hugs to his family members whom he loved so dearly.
Love,
Tracey, Jason, Ethan and Ava
Donnie & Norma Hladki
We were sorry to hear of Ernie’s passing. We will always treasure the good memories from our years working with Ernie at AECL and the many years on the executive of the Lac du Bonnet Blues hockey team. Our sincere condolences to Ann and family, Donnie & Norma.
Jim & Barb Hemminger
Ann & Family
So sorry to hear of Ernie’s passing. Our condolences.
Jim & Barb Hemminger
Lynnette Bruneau
I’m so sorry to hear of Ernie’s passing. There are so many great memories with the Huskies. You are in my prayers Anne.
Randy Mamrocha
Sorry to hear of Ernie’s passing. worked many years at AECL always having many laughs along the way. Prayers to the family.
Dennis & Rosalie Lofstrom
Our deepest condolences to you Ann and family on your loss.. Ernie was a wonderful person to work with and a good friend. He will be missed. Dennis & Rosalie
Judy McKay
Our deepest sympathies on your loss.
N. Peter and Shirley Cliche
Please accept our deepest condolences. Shirley and I always enjoyed meeting and talking with Ernie.
This is a time to remember all the good times.
Pat Kraus
My sincere condolences to Ann and family on the loss of Ernie.
Edward Okrainec and family
We are so very sorry to hear of Uncle Earnie’s passing. We apologize for not being able to visit in recent years. Please know that you have all been in our thoughts. And have our sincere condolences. We have always loved Uncle Earnie.
Love Always,
Ted, Laura, Tyler and Amadeo Okrainec
Ann
Thank you Ted for your kind message. Miles keep family from not seeing much of each other and growing families. It is difficult, but please remember after much pain Uncle has boarded The Train of Life and is now busy with throwing baseballs. (Love Aunty Ann and family)
Barry & Darlene Hood
Our condolences to Ann and family on loosing Ernie. Though we’ve not seen each other in many years, we do remember Ernie being a real gentleman and good athlete. Mom and Dad appreciated your work in the drugstore Ann. A good looking couple together. You and family will miss Ernie deeply. Sincerely, Barry & Darlene
Ann
Thank you so much. I too have fond memories of all. We had not lived in Lac du Bonnet for the past three years due to Ernie’s health. He is in a good pain free place now playing his baseball. Fondly Ann and family
Charlie sally. Hirst
“Time to come”. Dear Ann and family, The Lord has reached down and tapped Ernie’s head “My man,” he said, “it’s time for you to come home, free of pain. Leave your family, they’ll make it without you. You’ll be gone in body only for your spirit and memories will be in their hearts forever.” Take this time, when you’re in tears and remember what life he gave you and he’ll always be watching over you. Bless you all.
Karen (Henschel) Hintz
I heard an Ernie Okrainec from Selkirk, on a CBC call-in
show ,this year. He spoke about taking over the volunteer crochet project after his wife’s arthritis prevented her from crocheting. I wondered if this was the same Ernie (and Ann Okrainec) who had lived in Lac du Bonnet….So many years ago, when two young teachers, Karen and Irene, began their teaching careers, they were made to feel welcomed into the community, by Ann.
Coincidentally, Irene had grown up in Winnipeg, as a close friend of Shirley Okrainec, a relative of Ernie’s.
So sad to read Ernie’s obituary . Remembering you, Ann, with sincere sympathy, in the loss of your beloved life partner. Condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. May your memories always keep him close to your hearts.
Karen(Henschel) Hintz
Irene(Letendre) and Les Henschel
Ann
Hello (I remember you girls well in the old teacherage) and the great friendship we shared. Yes, we moved to Selkirk three years ago due to Ernie’s failing health. Thank you so much for the contact. Ernie has now joined the old baseball teams and I am sure drilling them. Ann
Ana Botelho
“ The Okrainec Train of Toques”
We are donating in memory of Ernest Okrainec
Ernest Okrainec was on CJOB radio in regards to his donations knitting toques to shelters, Kids and Sports. They were quite impressed that he had asked for nothing in return. His wife and his daughter bought the wool & he knitted. Many different colours.
We’ll be continuing to school lunch programs, sports kids and shelters.
Donations. Elementary Schools. Tuelon School and monetary lunch program, Happy Thought School (Selkirk). Ruth Hooker School (Selkirk,) Gordon Howard Senior Centre (Selkirk,) Twice Over store for needy. Selkirk Woman’s Shelter, Lac du Bonnet Sports Arena an monetary donation, the Church in Libo for new Canadians, the Selkirk Children’s Easter Basket, Ronald McDonald House Cancer kids (Winnipeg). Many stopped by received toques.
He was a very honoured man. Also lots of monetary donations have gone to the Lac du Bonnet Sports arena. He is and always will be recognized now as he did all quietly for years
In honour of his memory I will be continuing donating crocheting and knitting hats for those who need it most. I feel honoured to be doing this and keeping his good faith alive.
Stay blessed everyone.
Colleen Okrainec
Ana, I’m thanking you from the bottom of our hearts for you continuing our dad’s passion with the toques. My heart is crying with joy. Yes, he was one amazing man and glad to call him our dad. He was a caring husband, loving dad, uncle, brother, boss, co-worker, friend to many.
Colleen ♥️
Jody S
So sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. My deepest condolences to you and your family Colleen.
Jody S. (friend from years ago at the same place of employment)