New Glasgow - Ernie “Ern” Matthews, 1951-2015.
Known for his love of muscle cars, having a laugh with friends and commitment to his family, Ernie will be forever missed by those lucky enough to have made his company. Ernie’s clothing and cologne collection always made him the best dressed, best smelling man everywhere he traveled, including various deli departments on the Friday night quest for the “pink sticker” wings. There is no question that if you have spent any time with Ernie he has stressed the importance of staying active, eating healthy and starting your day with the coveted kale smoothie!
Born in Sydney Mines to the late Pearl and Vincent Matthews, Ern spent his early years working hard and driving nice cars, which is how he met his best friend and soul mate Debbie. After charming her with his good looks and bowling skills, they married in 1979. Ern and Deb moved to Alder Point where his family life would begin.
Ernie started his working career at Sydney Steel but, his quest to always be learning and developing new skills led to a move to New Glasgow and several successful careers thereafter. The most memorable employment included working alongside his old pal Steve “Venom" Green with OTS and finishing his career close to home with Northern Pulp.
Proud father to two children, whom he taught everything he knows about detailing a car, home repair and the value of always working hard. Always quick to volunteer for various community committees, helping those less fortunate or snow clearing the driveway of everyone on the street. Ernie’s favourite hobbies include, impressing the young folk at the gym with his bench press, lunching with his favourite ladies, the fight for the perfect lawn, cheering and criticizing his beloved Yankees and spending an evening with his much adored wife and family.
Left to carry on his wonderful memory are his most important treasures, his wife, best friend and loyal supporter of 36 years, Debbie, daughter, Lesley (Rob Graham), and son Ryan (Stephanie); siblings: Shirley, Ed (Nancy), Ethel (John), Martha (Ed), Rita (Neil), Alice, Carl and Ellen (Shawn); great lifelong friends, Richard and Pauline Carroll, Hudson and Loic Young who proudly referred to him as “Papa Ern”. He was preceded by his mother and father, niece Jo-Ellen Gillis and Azina and Leslie LeBlanc.
Cancer may have taken him years before we were ready, but it never took his fight, his quick wit or love for family. Life will never be the same without you.
The family would like to graciously thank every friend, neighbour, nurse, doctor, support worker who helped us in any way, words will never convey our appreciation for all that you have done.
Church Service with social to follow, Tuesday May 5, 2015, 2 pm at Trinity United Church, 151 Temperance Street, New Glasgow, with Rev. Donna Tourneur officiating. Donations may be made to the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society or Trinity United Church. Arrangements are under the direction of the R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow. Condolences may be sent by visiting: www.rhporter.ca

Condolences

• John D. Steele’s & Sons LTD. Monument Manufacturers
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• Thoms Flowers
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