Obituary - Ernie Gallant
Ernie Gallant
1946 - 2014
With his loved ones by his side, Ernest “Ernie” Gallant, beloved husband of the late Debra Cantalini-Gallant, passed away after a brief battle with cancer at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Monday, October 13, 2014, at the age of 67 years. Ernie was born in Griswold, Manitoba on December 11, 1946, a son to proud parents, Phil and Olive Gallant. He grew up in the small communities of Corning and Welwyn, Saskatchewan and completed his schooling in Emerson, Manitoba. He lived in various communities throughout Saskatchewan and Manitoba before moving to Medicine Hat in the 1970’s. While in Medicine Hat, he met Debra Cantalini and they later married in August of 1991. Ernie was a charismatic fellow who always wore a wonderful smile and had a great sense of humour. His enthusiasm was contagious and it was easy to see why he was well liked and people were naturally drawn to him. All of these qualities made Ernie the man he was. Always a car buff, Ernie could be seen cruising around in his prized Camaro. With his keen interest in cars, it was suiting that he would spent most of his career in the auto industry. For nearly the past 25 years, Ernie was a dedicated and loyal employee of Murray Chev-Olds in Medicine Hat. During this time, many friendships were made. The bond he had with his co-workers was one of family and he was so very grateful for the support and care that saw him through some difficult times. Ernie was a true friend who really cared about the lives of those he knew, and they returned the same feelings. In his youth he was a tenacious hockey player and loved water skiing... in his more recent years, Ernie became addicted to the game of golf! He really enjoyed spending time on the course, golfing with his buds. He will be deeply missed by his friends and his memory will be cherished by his sister, Marian (Lynn) Switzer of Portage la Prairie; nieces, Tracy (Gordon) Walker and family, Rhonda (Daniel) Switzer-Nadasdi and family and Marni (Craig) Zamzow and family; special friends, Glenda Leitch, Clarence and Terry Bechtold and family and Brian and Lee Scobie and family. Ernie was predeceased by his wife Debra Cantalini-Gallant in March of 2013 and his parents, Phil (1986) and Olive (1973) Gallant. A Celebration of Ernie’s life will be held at the Medicine Hat Golf & Country Club, 10 Parkview Drive N.E., Medicine Hat on Saturday, October 18, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. with Reverend Chelsea Masterman officiating. Memorial donations in Ernie’s name may be made directly to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, 666 - 5 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4H6.
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Glyn Yuhas:
Oct 15, 2014 at 05:10 PM
To The Gallant Family,
I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during these difficult times. This is a quote that touches a chord in me and I thought it appropriate for Ernie. THE MEASURE OF A MAN is not - "how did he die" but - "how did he live" . Not - "what did he gain" but - "what did he give" .These are the units to measure the worth of a man, as a man, regardless of birth. I have always found Ernie to be the type of person you could call friend.
With Sympathy, Glyn Yuhas
Julie & Murray Rogers:
Oct 15, 2014 at 05:10 PM
We are shocked and saddened to learn of Ernie's sudden passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ernie's family and friends at this difficult time.
Brian & Lee Scobie:
Oct 16, 2014 at 04:10 PM
We will truly miss our "Best Man" and friend forever! There is a big hole in our hearts now.
Love, Brian & Lee Scobie
Kevin Rittinger:
Oct 16, 2014 at 06:10 PM
I had the opportunity to work with Ernie at Murray Chev. As a rookie, I learned the ropes from him and his attention to detail when completing tasks, was something I will always remember. Over the 22 years I knew Ernie....he provided me with great mentorship, leadership and always had a smile to share. My condolences to the family...we will miss him in the Murray automotive world. RIP my friend... Kevin
Diana. & Clive Morrison:
Oct 17, 2014 at 02:10 PM
Our heartfelt sympathy is with Marion, Lynn & family.
We are in shock as I am sure everyone is at the suddenness of Ernie's passing. Ernie was like a brother to me. He spent a lot of time at our house growing up as my brother Brian's best friend. We would always stop in to visit him when passing through Medicine Hat on our way to Calgary. He will be missed.
Eleanor Milne Thompson:
Oct 18, 2014 at 05:10 PM
I want to send my deepest condolences to Ernie's family, friends and colleagues. Ernie was a close and much loved friend during the time he and his family lived in Emerson, Manitoba. I fondly remember the many Sunday dinners with Ernie, his Dad and Mom Phil and Olive and Ernie's Grandma. Ernie was a wonderful athlete and the Captain of our local hockey team. His humour and warmth were infectious and he was admired and loved by all who knew him. His interest in people was genuine and came from a deep respect for the ideas and opinions of others. I remember his love for cars and especially his gorgeous red Corvair convertible with the silver roll bar! I will always be grateful for our friendship and I will never forget him. Special love to Marian, Lynn and family and to Brian and Lee Scobie and family on the loss of your brother and friend. Warmest regards, Eleanor Thompson (Milne)
Mary Ann Aldus:
Oct 20, 2014 at 05:10 PM
I was deeply saddened to hear of Ernie's passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family.
Fred Mellen:
Oct 20, 2014 at 08:10 PM
My sincere condolences to the family of Ernie Gallant. I knew Ernie when he lived in Bow Island, and we shared many good times together.
With Sympathy:
Oct 21, 2014 at 02:10 PM
Our heartfelt condolences go to Ernie's family and friends. Sincerely, Elton and Colleen Steinley
Gail Nevraumont:
Oct 24, 2014 at 09:10 PM
I was so sorry, Marian to hear about Ernie. It seems like such a short time ago that we were playing Cowboys & Indians in the barn. We had many good times & his cheery personality shown thru. It is a shame that we have all drifted so far apart. I will try to connect the next time we are in Portage. Mom still going fairly strong. She would love to hear from you - She cannot see very well, legally blind, but still has all her marbles. My deepest sympathy, - he left much too soon. Gail Nevraumont (nee Johnston) Ottawa.