Ernest "Ernie" Michael Harty of Battleford Sask., passed away suddenly on March 17, 2015 in Saskatoon at the Royal University Hospital at the age of 37. He was born September 13, 1977 in Saskatoon. Ernie is survived by his loving wife Rhonda and sons Dane and Tanner of Battleford, his father Michael Harty and step-mother Marie of Edam, his mother Colleen Rodh of Terrace B.C., his sister Nicole Courtenay (James) and their children Blaize, Brelyn, Lenix and Emrik of Edam, his brother Danny Harty (Tanya) and their children Kaitlyn and Ashton of Edam, his brother Marvin Harty (Sam) and their children Kodi and Phoenix of Edam, his brothers Lance and Chad Holloway of Terrace BC, his Grandma Teta Harty of Edam, his Grandparents Ernest and Clara Richard of Yorkton, his step-sister Jessica Campbell (Dallas) and their children Bridgitte, Amelia and Harrison of North Battleford, his step-brother Lyndon Taylor (Amber) and their children Lily and Lincoln of Red Deer Alta, his step-sister Leah Taylor of Saskatoon, his father and mother in-law Harry and Jean Lake of Turtleford, brother in-law Brad Lake (Danielle) and their children Emily, Ada and Juliet of Lloydminster, his sister-in-law Sydney Lake of Saskatoon and Grandma Kay Lake of Lloydminster. He is survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Ernie was predeceased by his Grandpa Stephen Harty, his Uncle John Harty, his Aunt Irene Brumby and his Uncle Kelly Stuart. Ernie grew up on a farm half a mile west of Edam. He always loved all the farm activities, riding in the tractor, checking cows and seeing all the baby animals. He loved running equipment, tractors and combines. Feeding bales to the cattle was always a lot of fun because he got to drive the truck while his Dad stood in the back trying to hold on while he drove in a circle. As an adult he loved to go help his Uncle Steve and his father in-law Harry whenever they needed an extra hired man for harvest. Ernie and his siblings spent many summers at Loon Lake with their Grandma and Grandpa Richard, where he loved to fish and knee board. The first time he went fishing he caught a little perch. Ernie was proud of his fish until he saw Uncle Art filleting his jackfish and saw how much bigger it was. Then he became upset with his fish. When his Grandma said let's show Uncle Art your fish. Ernie replied, "If you're so proud of it, you show him." As time went on Ernie became a great goal tender and hockey was his favourite winter pastime. He played on many teams and met many new friends and teammates. His biggest accomplishment was playing second year bantam on the AA Redwings in Maidstone. He always played a Ron Hexall style, you didn't go in his crease or you felt it. After high school, he worked different positions as a farm hand and as a rough neck on the rigs. He bought a red Trans Am that he loved and drove that thing like he owned it! Always driving with the tops out and the music blasting. Â He was so proud of that car making sure that all his friends went for a ride, grinning ear to ear with those huge dimples having the time of his life! Ernie obtained his Class 1A licence and was employed in the oilfield for the majority of his adult life. He worked mostly in the Edam, Maidstone and Lloydminster area as well as a brief time in Fort McMurray. Ernie loved to work and took great pride in his job. He couldn't say no and everyone he worked with knew it. He was so proud when he purchased his own semi in 2008 to lease on as a semi-vac and then later as a fluid hauler in the Maidstone and Edam area. Ernie and Rhonda were blessed with two sons. Dane was born on Jan. 29, 2003 abd Tanner was born on July 17, 2007. In 2007, they moved to Battleford from Lloydminster. Ernie and Rhonda were married on August 22, 2008 in a private ceremony in their backyard. As a family they loved to camp in the summer at various lakes in the area. Ernie was especially happy to start taking the boys to Loon Lake and share his favourite childhood camping memories with them. They also enjoyed family weekend trips to West Edmonton Mall, a trip to Vancouver last May and a trip to Punta Cana in 2012. Ernie was so proud of his children's accomplishments and enjoyed watching them participate in their activities. Ernie had a great love for music as do Dane and Tanner. They would have competitions in the vehicle on who could name the song and artist first. They didn't ask Rhonda to play because she never knew the answers and they all had no problem pointing this out to her. Ernie was a loving and caring husband, father, son, brother, grandson, uncle and friend. He loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor, people were drawn to Ernie. He loved knowledge and learning so he spent countless hours reading and watching the news, fact finding on the Internet and listening to radio talk shows while he worked. He loved to share what he had learned with everyone, even if they didn't care to know! Ernie touched so many lives and he will be dearly missed by all. As per Ernie's request no formal service will be held. There will be a celebration of Ernie's Life held at a later date. A trust account has been set up for Ernie's sons. The money will be held in trust until they are 18 years old. Cheques can be made payable to "Dane and Tanner Harty's Trust Fund" at the Edam Credit Union, PO Box 68, Edam, Sask., S0M 0V0. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Trevor Watts of Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium, North Battleford, Sask.
