DAVIS, ERNEST "ERNIE" JOSEPH - RICHIBUCTO, NB - It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of a beloved father, husband, grandfather, brother and friend to many. Not only a big man but a man with a big heart. Ernest Davis passed on Sunday, October 26th at Stella-Maris-de-Kent Hospital, at the age of 69. Ernie was born on August 5th, 1945 in Aldouane, to the late John and Dora (Bastarache) Davis. At the young age of 18, he moved to Waltham, Mass. He moved there in search of work, but he found much more, love, and a future wife, Rita (Cormier) Davis. Ernie and Rita would soon move back to New Brunswick where they would begin their family. He enjoyed a long career as a Parks’ Canada employee in Kouchibouguac. Ernie was the proud and loving father of the late Ricky Davis (Christelle Leger) of Dieppe, Carol Davis (Mark Vautour) of Richibucto, Janice Davis (Jacques Mills) of Bouctouche, and Rachelle Davis (Barry Francis) of Richibucto. He adored his seven grandchildren: Isaac and Emma Leger Davis, Zackary and Matthew Davis Vautour, Janelle Mills, and Lucas and Hailey Francis. Besides being a committed family man, Ernie found time to serve his community. He spent many years as a volunteer with the Kent Center Minor Hockey Association. He found such joy in helping the young people he coached and he supported them in any way he could. His love and appreciation of all people, but especially the young, was evident in the warmth he shared; he always made time to stop and share a joke and smile with everyone he came across. He was survived by his brother Bernard Davis (late Verna) of Burlington, Mass, and his five sisters, Edith Breau (late Emile) of Neguac, Imelda Babineau (late Remi) of St-Marie-de-Kent, Albertine Davis, Sylvie Leblanc (Omer) of Richibucto and Maria Thebeau (late Elzear) of Aldouane. He was predeceased by his sisters, Doris Davis, infant Albertine and his two brothers, Eric and Vincent Davis.
Resting at Thompson's Funeral Home, Richibucto with visitation on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm, Wednesday at 2:00 pm until departure for the funeral. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at 4:00 pm, St. Louis de Gonzague Roman Catholic Church, Richibucto. Interment will be held in the Aldouane Roman Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are in care of Thompson's Funeral Home, Richibucto (523-4252).