Ernie "Big Ern" was a friend to everyone he met. He loved his "firehouse family" and would do anything for them. Mitchell Fire Company in Burlington was his home away from home and he loved spending time. He was also a member of Hope Hose Company in Beverly.
He worked side by side with his dad at Electric Motor Service in Beverly.
Ernie was always the first to crack and joke and those who knew him say that he had the ability to react quickly to any comment that was made to him. He was always pulling pranks and thought it was the greatest thing when he could manage to fool someone with one of his many voices.
He loved working on electronics...stereo installations was that one of his strong points. He also was involved with CB radios, everything from talkin' the talk to fixin' them when they broke. Some refer to him as "the best CB turner around." And his cell phone...he never left home without it. He was known for his quick text messaging.
He loved fishing... he looked forward to opening day of trout season at Sylvan Lakes every year. It was always his hope to catch "the big one" and he was able to accomplish that goal in 2006 when he caught a 20 inch rainbow trout.
Known for the twinkle in his eye and his ability to make people smile he is missed by all and will live on in our hearts forever. 10-4 Good Buddy...we miss you!
A PARENT'S PRAYER
"I''ll lend you for a little time a child of mine," he said.
"For you to love the while he lives and mourn for when he's dead.
"It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three,
"But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?"
"He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and shall his stay be brief,
"You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief."
"I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return,
"But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn."
"I've looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true,
"And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes I have selected you."
"Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain,
"Nor hate me when I come to call to take him back again?"
"I fancied that I heard them say "Dear Lord, Thy will be done"
"For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run."
"We'll shelter him with tenderness; we'll love him while we may,"
"And for the happiness we've known forever greateful stay;
"But shall the angels call for him much sooner than we've planned,
"We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand."
God looked around his Garden
and found an empty place.
He then looked down upon his earth
and saw your loving face.
He put his arms around you
and lifted you to rest.
His Garden must be beautiful,
he always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering,
he knew you were in pain.
And knew that you would never
get well on earth again.
He saw your path was difficult,
he closed your tired eyes,
He whispered to you "Peace be Thine"
and gave you wings to fly.
When we saw you sleeping
so calm and free of pain,
We would not wish you back to earth
to suffer once again.
You've left us precious memories,
your love will be our guide,
You live on through your memory,
you're always by our side.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
but you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you
on the day God called you home.
