Obituary of Ernest Forbes Wilson

Ernest “Ernie” F. Wilson CD1, 92 of Kentville, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2022 in the Valley Regional Hospital. Born in Stellarton, he was the son of the late Ernest F. Sr. and Charlotte (Crawford) Wilson. He married his wonderful wife; Geneva and they went on to have three daughters.   Ernie was always a family man and prioritized his family above everything else in life. 

Ernie was a 25-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces serving with the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery.  Once retired from active duty, he was eager to go back to work taking a job with the Provincial government as the Deputy Sheriff of Kings County for the next 22 years. 

His passion over the years was to volunteer his time and he did this with steadfast modesty.  He was a Chartered and lifelong member of the New Minas Lions Club and was honored to be presented the Melvin Jones Fellow Award from the Lions International Foundation.  He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge in Kentville and was recently awarded his distinguished 65-year pin.  He made a lasting difference volunteering with the VON and other organizations in the local area.  He was pleased to support the ministry with ongoing generosity as a longtime member of the Alton United Baptist Church, North Alton.

As a Canadian Snowbird, Ernie spent many years wintering in Florida. He took great pleasure offering his time and talent helping to create memories for children and their families during their wish vacations in the storybook village Give Kids the World in Kissimmee, Florida. As a fan of the Kansas City Royals, he thoroughly enjoyed being a volunteer at Baseball City as a great way to connect with local and international visitors. When in Florida, he also kept up with his lessons for teaching English as a second language to many new-comers to Nova Scotia.

He is survived by daughters, Pam (Russ), Linda, and Ruth (Michael); his brother, Vernon G. Wilson; grandchildren, Carman, Adrian, and Alison; great-grandchildren Amelia, Adam, Oscar, and Isac; as well as nieces and nephews which are too many to mention.

In addition to his parents, Ernie was predeceased by his loving wife of 53-years, Geneva (MacPherson) Wilson; sister, Eileen; grandson, Zach.

The family wish to thank the doctors and nurses of the Medical A Unit and Medical B Extension in the Valley Regional Hospital for their devoted care and a very special thank you to Dr. Keough and Nurse Katie.

In keeping with Ernie’s wishes, his family will hold a memorial gathering at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the VON or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS B4R 1B9 (902-679-2822).

I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free,
I’m following the path God laid for me
I took his hand when I heard him call,
I turned my back and left it all
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I’ve found that peace at the close of day
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow
My life’s been full, I’ve savored much,
Good friends, good times, my loved one’s touch
If my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief
Lift up you heart, rejoice with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.

-Unknown