Bonin

1936 - 2024

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel - Bonin(2024)

After a life led full of love for his family, it is with much sadness, we share that Ernie is gone. He passed away in Medicine Hat on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at the age of 88 years. He raised us girls, Elan and Lorie, his two daughters as a single father. Dad was the best father, grandfather and great-grandfather to Rylee, Matthew, Conor, Sienna and Xavier.

Our Dad was born, raised and lived in Medicine Hat his whole life. He started at Motor Vehicles in 1961 and 30 years later he retired as Manager. Throughout the years, Dad made lasting friendships. They bowled together, won many trophies and laughed a lot!!

Our dad devoted his life to us girls and his grandchildren... he tied skates, drove looking for Pokémon cards, Beanie Babies and made home cooked lunches for school days. He would do anything for his grandchildren.

Dad was fortunate to have travelled over the years. A road trip to the USA with Elan, Lyle & Rylee to Disneyland, Hawaii, Omaha, Pella and his most treasured trips to Italy to meet his father’s family.

Dad was very proud of his house and yard. He would spend hours outside getting it to look perfect!

The highlight in 2023 was the birth of his first great-granddaughter, Sienna; and in 2024, the birth of his great-grandson, Xavier. Oh how he loved the video calls and pictures!

Dad’s last few years were taken over by the life robbing disease of Dementia. He never forgot who we were and Dad knew us until the end. As much as we are heartbroken, we are relieved Dad’s awful suffering has ended. Hug your loved ones while you can.

Dad is survived by his daughters and families: Elan (Lyle) Pigula, Lorie Bonin-Sandford (Robert McNaught); Rylee Pigula (Brent Trudeau), Matthew and Gina Sandford, Conor Sandford, Danielle, Sienna, Xavier and Madison.

A huge heartfelt thank you to Bruce and Carl for faithfully visiting dad at least three times a week; Linda, Jacquie and Patty, we thank you for your years of friendship and visits to Dad.

In Ernie’s honour, a private family interment will be held at a later date.



 

  1. Darlene and Matt O’Keefe:
    Nov 14, 2024 at 11:24 PM

    Dear Lorie, Matt, Conor and Family,
    We are so sorry for your loss. Ernie (Mr. B. As he was fondly known as) was such a special guy and we have so many wonderful memories of him. May he rest in peace after a life well lived. Sending you all of our love and hope that all of your beautiful memories help you through this difficult time.

  2. Sheila Drescher:
    Nov 15, 2024 at 01:30 PM

    Lorie so sorry to here about your dad. He was a wonderful man. Every time I drive by your old house it always brings back memories of us as kids. Sending you hugs and prayers to get through this difficult time

  3. Shirley Kanewischer:
    Nov 16, 2024 at 01:37 AM

    To The Family
    So sorry to hear about Ernie's passing. Contact was lost the past few years, however, he was not forgotten & was brought up in conversations with past acquaintances many times. There had been good/fun times with Ernie through working at the Provincial Building (Bowling/Parties etc), as well as, German Food get togethers with Friends at Olays.
    Ernie was a true friend & fun to be around with.
    Sincere Condolences to the Family. May all your good Memories help you get through this most difficult time. It is my regret & other past friend's that we didn't keep in touch since Covid.

  4. Dwight Lees:
    Nov 16, 2024 at 10:14 AM

    Sorry sorry to hear of your loss, your dad was a great man.

  5. Brenda Mann:
    Nov 16, 2024 at 12:28 PM

    Elan, Lorie and families, I am so very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He was a wonderful and kind man who always wore a smile. As kids, I remember he was always so friendly and welcoming. Later on in my banking years; it was always such a pleasure seeing and chatting with him. May your many wonderful memories assist you through this difficult time. Sending you hugs.

  6. Dennis Ulmer:
    Nov 16, 2024 at 01:00 PM

    Ernie was related to my mother Eva Ulmer, that’s how I got to meet him many’s years ago. Was always ready to engage in a friendly conversation. Will be missed
    My condolences to his family

  7. Jim Whitney:
    Nov 16, 2024 at 01:50 PM

    It is with great sadness we heard of Ernie's passing. Condolences to Lorie, Elan and families in this difficult time. An amazing man totally devoted to his family. A friend to many and missed by all. Rest in peace Ernie

  8. Darren McKenna:
    Nov 16, 2024 at 04:10 PM

    I worked at the Provincial building back in the 80's and Ernie always had time to stop and chat with me. A very friendly person. Condolences to his families.

  9. Kim (Gehring) and Gilles Brazeau:
    Nov 16, 2024 at 06:55 PM

    We send our love and sincere condolences. Your Dad was a wonderful man, great father, dear friend and co-worker with our Dad and always so friendly. He will be missed by many. Cherish all the memories.

  10. Veronica Blocksage:
    Nov 17, 2024 at 09:28 AM

    Dear Elan and Lorie
    So sorry to see notice of your Dad’s passing.
    I know it has been many years since I had a chat with Ernie but remember him with great fondness, and how he was such an important and loving presence for you and your children.

    Veronica

  11. Vic and Debbie Simmons:
    Nov 17, 2024 at 11:30 AM

    Dear Lorie and family!
    Please accept our Heartfelt Sympathies for your loss, our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time! 💔 Saying goodbye to someone we Love is Heartbreaking. May you find comfort in all the Special memories shared. Vic and I feel very Honored and Grateful to have known Ernie and been in his company many times. He will be Greatly missed, but his warmth, kindness and gentle spirit will be remembered forever. Many hugs!

  12. Stephenie Ross Magee:
    Nov 17, 2024 at 05:47 PM

    Elan and family,

    I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He was a wonderful person who always had a smile! I know he will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    Stephenie

  13. Brenda Fischer:
    Nov 18, 2024 at 10:41 AM

    Dear Lori, Elan and families
    So sorry to hear of Ernie's passing. Been a few years since I have seen him. Remember you from the church when you were very little, the medical arts clinic and through Uncle Norm.
    Your dads love for you shone throughout any time I had the privilege to run into him (usually the grocery store). Love to tell stories about you and his cooking skills to support trips to Elkwater. He was an exceptional man.
    Brenda (Fischer)

  14. Ann and Mike Christie:
    Nov 18, 2024 at 04:57 PM

    I'm so sad to hear of Ernie's passing. He was a wonderful man and exceptional father, grandfather and great-grandfather. The world has too few men like Ernie. He will be missed by all.

  15. Peggy Hilsendager (Schneider):
    Nov 19, 2024 at 01:12 PM

    Elan, Lorie and family
    My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
    Your dad was such a caring and kind man, I remember in elementary school how he would drive us to school on those very cold days. Pam and I had such a great childhood friendship with you, Elan💞 growing up on the same street for all those years, I still call 14th Street my home, so many wonderful memories to cherish
    “Grief is Love” and love is something your dad gave his all to you girls, my Mom always said that your dad was a wonderful father, a true gift❤️
    Keeping you in my prayers 😇

    Peggy

  16. Evan Tonin:
    Nov 19, 2024 at 01:38 PM

    To the Bonin Family -
    Please accept my sincere sympathy on the death of Ernie. My husband, Leno Tonin and I go back many years with Ernie. Although our paths did not cross too often, it was always a happy meeting. Ernie was one of the kindest people I knew and an exceptional father to his girls. We were in theatre and music together too.

    Perhaps of interest: Ernie's father and my husband's father came from Italy together on the same boat and chose Medicine Hat as their homes.
    Ernie will be missed.
    Most sincerely, Evan Tonin

  17. Frank and Lori Lemna:
    Nov 22, 2024 at 01:40 PM

    So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was a great person and always had a smile and a chat every time we saw him. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

    Frank and Lori Lemna

  18. Mike and Peggy Hansen:
    Nov 23, 2024 at 11:19 AM

    Lorie and Elan
    So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. We have many fond memories of our time as your neighbours on 14th street. Many chats on the front lawn while yard work was being neglected!
    Our sympathies and prayers to you and your families

  19. Fran Hirsch:
    Nov 23, 2024 at 04:15 PM

    Deepest sympathy to Lorie and Elan and family on the passing of their dad Ernie . May the Grace of God give you all some peace and comfort during this very difficult time . Also deepest sympathy to the families of Walter / Ulmer Ernie was such a gentle caring sole and a devoted family man . I'm so greatful for our last visit at the senior lodge with Lorie and having a picture of us as a wonderful memorie. Our family's go back years when my parents ( Eva / Oliver Ulmer) delivered eggs and other farm products to Ernie's parents every two weeks or so and all us children got to stay and play games together . His one sister Bunny ( Ruth ) was married to my Uncle Walter Ulmer so sometimes there were enough for even a ball game ...so many great memories to cherish ❤ Rest in Peace Ernie