STROCHER, Ernest Alvin “Ernie”
March 4, 1933 – February 8, 2022
With great sadness we announce the passing of Ernest “Ernie” Strocher on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 in Calgary, Alberta, at the age of 88.
Ernie was born and raised in Tomahawk, Alberta and later resided in Calgary, Alberta. Being raised on a farm taught him the essence of hard work. After he left the farm he trained as a welder. He began a career in the oil fields where he met his best friend Clarence Luft, who eventually became his brother-in-law.
Upon his arrival in Calgary in 1961 he began to work as a rug cleaner. He met and married Margaret Lois Lumb. During his after hours work day, he began to upholster his own kitchen chairs. With positive feedback from friends and family, this sparked what became his own family business successfully, eventually, bringing him into retirement.
Throughout the 70’s Ernie and Margaret were part of a trailer club called “The Calgary Sundowners”. He kept in touch with several members throughout his lifetime. When Margaret passed away in 1980, Ernie continued the family business. Four years later, Ernie met and married Frances “Lee” (Holmes) Tibbitt. They stayed in touch with the Calgary Sundowners. Where they continued to use their fifth wheel to travel, as well as spending time together travelling abroad in Europe and taking cruises. Over the years, they took pride and joy in watching their 3 children (combined) grow the legacy of their extended family. In 2017, Lee passed away and Ernie missed her deeply. Throughout the years, Ernie enjoyed and excelled at wood-working and gardening; and as an “uneducated” Engineer, he was always thinking up creative ways to do things better.
Ernie is survived by his children, Karen (Dan) Watkins of Calgary, Joanne (Gord) Robb of Calgary, and Blaine (Rochelle) Holmes of St. Albert; grandchildren Curtis (Megan) Robb, Kevin Robb (Amber Unger), Stephanie Holmes (Andrew Flaro), Bradley Holmes (Alex McCarthy), Mason Watkins, and Alexander Watkins; his sister, Gertrude Strocher; and brothers, Ted Strocher, and David Strocher. Ernie was predeceased by his mother, Otilge (Tillie) Reich; his father, Walter Strocher; sister Adele (Strocher) Colby; and brothers, Harold Strocher, John Strocher, Ervin Strocher, Adolph Strocher, Karl Strocher and Herman Strocher.
A Memorial Service will take place at Pierson’s Funeral Services Chapel (4121 – 17 Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta) on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ernie’s name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta www.heartandstroke.ca (119 14 St NW #100, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6).
Please note that for this service the family has requested all those attending please present the QR Code proof of vaccination, OR a negative COVID test result in the past 72 hours OR a medical exemption letter.
Arrangements entrusted to Bridget Halfyard, Funeral Director
Cochrane Country Funeral Home – cochrane@piersons.ca – 403-932-1039
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We are so sad to just learn of the passing of Uncle Ernest. Ernest was a very special man and very dear to me in the years that I was able to get to know him. I can remember when we got together as kids and most recently when dropping in for a visit then out for dinner. We were so busy chatting, like 2 gaggling roosters, that we nearly ended up in Cochrane before we realized we missed our turn. He always had good advice, an open ear, a smile and most of all a welcome hug. Our thoughts are with you and your family and we would have been there if given the chance. Please take care and know that Ernest will forever hold a special place in my heart and memories.
Warmest of wishes
Cory, Eugene, Liam and Jaeden Strocher