Obituary of Ernie Maskell

Mr. Ernest Henry Maskell Feb 8, 1922 Poplar England - Sept 27, 2015 Fort Erie, Canada Ernie passed peacefully at Douglas Memorial Hospital with his loving wife Audrey at his side a day after they celebrated their 73 wedding anniversary. Ernie loved his life and his children Sharon Taylor Bud), Brian Maskell (Kim), & Marilyn Fox (George) and his daughter in law, Grace. He will be missed by his grand children: Brad (Julia) & Brent; Scott (Diana), Shannon (Ryan), & Sean; and his seven great-grandchildren. Ernie attended Fort Erie Secondary School, where he was a successful track and field athlete, excelling in the hurdles. In 1942, he married the love of his life, Audrey Foreman. Shortly after their marriage, Ernie set off for England, where he served with Royal Canadian Air Force through the duration of World War II. In 1945, Ernie and Audrey returned and settled permanently in Fort Erie. Ernie worked at Fleet Industries before being hired by Mr. Gordon Glenny as a General Insurance Agent. His hard work and dedication to his career was rewarded when he became an owner of Glenny Insurance Broker Limited. According to Ernie, Niagara was the most perfect place on earth. He dedicated himself to the Town of Fort Erie. Ernie was always dedicated to his community as a willing volunteer: A Member of the Kinsmen Club of Fort Erie, a Trustee of the Niagara District School Board, a member of the Douglas Memorial Hospital Board, a driver for the Cancer Society, a donor to the Red Cross and an active member of his beloved Central Avenue United Church. Ernie was member of Palmer Masonic Lodge and also had the honour of receiving the Thirty-Third degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of Canada. Ernie walked his talk. He believed in his family and his town. In 1955 he and Audrey built their home at 256 Highland Avenue and used that as base camp for 58 years where family gathered for barbeques, holidays, and special event; and where friends came for libation, laughs, and bridge. Two years ago Ernie & Audrey moved into Garrison Place where they spent time with friends and were cared for by an attentive staff and empathetic Dr. Scher who also attended to Ernie along with the palliative care staff at Douglas Memorial Hospital. Ernie is resting at Benner Funeral Home where visitation will be on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9. The service will be at the funeral home at 11:00 am on Wednesday followed by a reception and internment. Please make donations to: The Masonic Charitable Foundations; The Canadian Diabetes Association; The Canadian Cancer Society.