Obituary of Ernie Turner

On July 9th, 2024, Ernie joined Nelly in Heaven.

Dearest Dad was born and raised on the south coast of Africa in the beautiful town of Amanzimtoti (it means ‘sweet waters’ in Zulu). Ernie was the son of Ernest and Veronica Turner. He, along with his sister Beth, loved their childhood growing up by the sea.

Ernie was in his late teens at university when he met the love of his life, Nelly-Gay Rabie. That was the beginning of a sixty-two-year love affair. Nelly and Ernie adored each other from the start. Mom and Dad married on April 25th, 1964, with the blessing of Sonny and Nancy Rabie and his parents. Theirs was a profound romance and friendship that is yet to be replicated in movies or books. Their love is eternal.

Three sons, Brett, Cliff and Darrell were born to these loving, caring and adventurous parents. Life in South Africa was good, but Nelly and Ernie wanted a better life for their children. They uprooted everything they had built and moved to Canada in 1976. Still very young, they embraced Canada and all she has to offer. Dad provided for his family through his great work at IBM Canada. Their children went on to marry and give Nelly and Ernie the loveliest of grandchildren: Adelaide and Hudson (Brett); Felix and Finn (Cliff) and Nancy, Neil, Hannah, and Gabriel (Darrell). Dad had many friends. He and Nelly were constantly busy. Their mission was service above self. It is impossible to list all the kind and caring things they did for people.

Unfortunately, Nelly passed away in December of last year and their time on this earth was broken. Dad still loved to go on drives and look for Mom, but things were never the same for him again. He put on a brave face, but I am sure his heart ached. He never complained for a single second, but rather remained positive and happy.

Up until his last day, Ernie loved to joke around. His curiosity about people and life knew no bounds. Ernie thoroughly enjoyed and loved those who spent so much time with him in his final weeks. We can’t thank them enough. Cathy and Janet, Lori, Janice and Wendy - along with many others - were amazing to him. We will never forget your love and devotion. We are also extremely grateful to Drs. McMackin and Knight, along with the caring staff of Saint John’s Regional Hospital. Thank you.

Ernie respectfully asked for no flowers. If you would like to do something in his memory, a contribution to Saint John’s Regional Hospital Foundation would be lovely.

Mom and Dad found comfort with God at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Quispamsis. As such, a Mass and Ernie’s Celebration of Life will be held there on Monday, July 22 at 10am. We’ll have a casual lunch right after the ceremony. Please come to share stories, tears, and laughter. Dad didn’t like suits, ties or anything formal. Please feel free to wear something comfortable and cheerful.

In closing, here are the words to Ernie’s favourite song, La Mer (The Sea) by Charles

Trenet:

The sea that we see dancing along the clear bay has reflections of silver.

The sea, changing reflections under the rain.

The sea to the summer sky confounds those white sheep with the angels so pure.

The sea, shepherd of infinite azure.

Look! Near the ponds, those tall reeds!

Look! Those white birds and those rusty houses!

The sea, rocks (like in a cradle) along the clear bay.

And in a love song, the sea cradled my heart for life.

Arrangements are under the care of Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (506-849-2119). A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 171 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 10:00 AM, with a reception following the Mass at St. Mark’s Church.