Obituary of Ernest Joseph Malley

of Maple Ridge, British Columbia, died peacefully on January 13, 2011. He is survived by Violet, his beloved wife of 70 years. He was the loving father of Malcolm (Janet), Laurence (Sandra), and Anthony (Kara). He will be sadly missed by grandchildren Diana, Denise, Laura, Reid, Maressa, Olivia, and Mackenzie. He was the adored great-grandfather of Henry, Sydney, Ethan, Sam, Sophia, and Nolah. He was the treasured brother of Gladys and Bernetta. He was predeceased by his daughter Lynda. Ernie was born in the Acadian town of Chatham, New Brunswick, on July 13, 1921, to Pierre Mallet and Frances Savoie. He joined the Canadian Forces Army Division in 1939 and served until 1945 in the Carleton and York Regiment, fighting in the Italian campaign (the conquest of Sicily, the Battle of Monte Cassino, and the Battle of Ortona) and helping to liberate The Netherlands. He met Violet while stationed in Northampton, England, and proposed to her on their first date. They were married on July 17, 1941. His honours include the 1939-45 Star, the Italy Star, the France and Germany Star, and the Canadian Volunteer Service medal. He received an honourary medal to recognize the service of Canadian soldiers involved in the Liberation of The Netherlands. He returned to celebrate the opening of the Juno Beach Centre in Courseulles-sur-Mer, France, in June 2003 and the 60th anniversary of the Liberation in Groningen, Holland, in May 2005. He was a special friend to the Walvius and Christen families of Drachten, Holland. Like many boys born by the Miramichi, Ernie spent his career as a lumberman, and worked for Harquail, Kingsway, Beaver, and Main Lumber in New Brunswick and Ontario. He and Violet moved from Oakville, Ontario, to Maple Ridge to retire in 1987. A service will be held on January 18th at 1:00pm at Garden Hill Cremation and Funeral Services, 11765 224th Street, Maple Ridge, (604) 463-8161. An honour guard will be provided by Royal Canadian Legion Branch #88. A private family service and interment will be held in Oakville at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honour may be made to the Salvation Army. We remember Ernie for his love of family, courage, patriotism, generosity, sense of humour, outstanding harmonica playing, and joie de vivre. Au revoir à notre magnifique père, grand-père, et arrière-grand-père. Tu es tellement aimé et nous allons vous manquer énormément. ‪ ‬