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Ernest Mingo

Born In: Nova Scotia, Canada

Passed in: Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: August 20th, 2014

NEW GLASGOW – Ernest Chambers Mingo, 97, of New Glasgow, passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 20, 2014, at Ivey’s Terrace Nursing Home in Trenton with family by his side.
Born in Denmark, near Tatamagouche, he was the son of the late Allison and Ella Mae (Chambers) Mingo.
Ernie left the farm at 16 years of age to attend Maritime Business College. He studied accounting and ultimately went to work with auto dealerships in Glace Bay, and finally the accounting firm Nightingale and Hayman.
The course of Ernie’s life was perhaps most profoundly affected by the outbreak of the Second World War. He enlisted and became an officer in the Sherbrooke Fusiliers, and during transport to England, Lt. E.C. Mingo met nursing sister Lt. Eve Shepley. The couple continued to see each other on coinciding leaves throughout the war, and years later would return to the Netherlands together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the end of WWII.
While overseas, Ernie became commander of a Sherman tank nicknamed “Bomb”. It was the only Canadian tank to see continuous action from D-Day to VE Day, with Ernie and his crew participating in the liberation of Holland.
Upon his return to civilian life, Ernie joined his brothers at Eastern Woodworkers Ltd., a construction firm that became one of the largest in Eastern Canada. Their work includes the Dalhousie University Law Building, the St. Mary’s Biochemistry and Student Union Buildings, schools, hospitals and large housing developments around Atlantic Canada, including 350 units at Mulgrave Park in Halifax.
Eastern Manufacturing Company Ltd., the prefabrication division of Eastern Woodworkers was set up to manufacture mobile homes.
As a division of Eastern Woodworkers involved sawmilling operations, Ernie became involved in the National Retail Lumberman’s Council of Canada, and the Atlantic Provinces Retail Lumber Dealers’ Association, becoming President of both organizations. He was Director of the Canadian Lumberman’s Association. He was Secretary-Treasurer of Gomac Construction Co., and lead in the establishment of Lenargo Industries which was among the pioneers of Maritime factory built housing.
As Eastern closed its doors in 1971, Ernie turned his attention to forestry, blueberries and the hospitality industry. With his initial financial partners he built a hotel in Port Hawkesbury, and purchased the Silver Dart Motel in Baddeck, setting the foundation for what would become Maritime Inns and Resorts Inc.
Throughout his career, he was involved in many organizations; board member of Pictou County Research and Development (PICORD); President of New Glasgow Rotary Club; President of the Boy Scout Council of Pictou County; Member of the Masonic Lodge for over 60 years, and more recently a member of the Shrine Club; and a Legion Member for over 65 years.
He was honored by the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce as Businessperson of the year in 1995, and received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
His life was highlighted by fishing trips with friends, travelling the globe with Eve, hosting friends and family in Ft. Lauderdale, Baddeck, and on the family farm in Denmark, and spending time with his granddaughters.
Ernie was predeceased by his wife Eve, daughter Jeanne, and siblings: Louise, Harold, Dudley, Carl, Marion and Grace.
He is survived by sister, Kaye (Gerald MacKinnon), son, Don (Aulayne), and granddaughters: Becki (Jesse Seamon), Christy, Kate and Sarah, nieces and nephews, and friend Marjorie Fancy.
Our gratitude goes out to Noreen Fitt and Florence Sutherland for the wonderful care and attention they gave Ernie, and to the staff at Ivey’s Terrace for their kindness and support.
Arrangements are under the guidance of R.H. Porter Funeral Home in New Glasgow, with visitation 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, August 23. Funeral will be held Sunday, August 24 at 1 p.m. at Trinity United Church, New Glasgow, Rev. Donna Tourneur officiating; reception to follow, and interment at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Cemetery near Denmark.
Family flowers only please.Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent by visiting: www.rhporter.ca

 

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