McARTHUR, John Ernest (Ernie): Ernie passed away January 8, 2014 at 95 years of age. Ernie was born in Battleford, Sk on October 2, 1918. He lived and worked in the Battleford area in his younger years. He married his "soulmate" , Rusty, August 1, 1942. They had 47 years of marital bliss. They were blessed with two children, Lyle and Joann, while living in Battleford. Ernie and Rusty and their small family moved to Melfort in 1948 and that is where Sheila and Larry were born. Ernie worked most of his life as a mechanic. He operated Ernie's Texaco Service garage for many years and helped farmers service their farm equipment in the fields. Ernie loved the outdoors: hunting and fishing. This led to Ernie and Rusty managing The Pelican Narrows fly-in-fishing Camp for Bert Whitley for several summers. Ernie and Rusty spent the summers of their early retirement years at Caribou Creek where they enjoyed the company of many friends. Winters, for Ernie, were spent travelling to Houston, Texas with the chuckwagons tending to the horses and doing various other duties (cooking, repairing wagons). Ernie built a woodworking shop where he spent many hours entertaining friends and working on one of his favorite hobbies: woodworking and doing small repair jobs. Ernie purchased a 1942 John Deere AR tractor and Clipper Combine which he fully restored. He proudly drove the tractor and combine for 29 years in the Melfort parade and won many ribbons. Ernie lived for 63 years in the same home until the age of 93. He then lived at Chateau Providence, St. Brieux until his passing. Ernie is survived by his children Joann (Gene) Anderson and their children Paula and Tonya, Sheila (Rodney) Holowaty and their daughter Jaime, Larry (Maxine) McArthur; 3 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren; sister Carolle Pickering and many nieces and nephews. Ernie was predeceased by his wife Vienetta (Rusty); son Lyle and grandson Ryan Holowaty; his parents John and Zella and 6 siblings. At a later date, the family will bury Ernie beside Rusty at the West Eagle Hills Cemetary in the Battleford area. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Melfort Funeral Home Ltd. ____________________________________________________
