Obituary of Ernest Edward Day

Ernie completed his earthly journey at Baillie House, peacefully, in the early morning hours of Saturday, September 10th. He leaves to mourn his passing a large family and many friends, including his wife of 61 years, Gail, sons Robin (Patricia), Kevin (Anna), daughter Kristel Nuspl (David), Ernie’s grandchildren, Christina Charles (Tim), Pamela McCaughan (Daniel). Michelle Day, Alyssa Day, Skyler Day, Jacob Nuspl, and Taylor and Matthew Nuspl. Despite his many health problems, Ernie lived long enough to also welcome four beautiful great granddaughters, Hannah and Maya Charles, and Claire and Hailey McCaughan. He is also survived by his three sisters, Lillian Giesbrecht, of Winnipeg, Marjorie Henry of St. Rose, MB, and Shirley Marko of Smithers, and brother Frank of Kelowna. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by two sons, infant Scott (1969), and Brian in 1975, a sister Doreen Moman (Red Deer, AB) and brother James (Minitonas, MB). Ernie had a long and colorful life. He was born in a small town in Manitoba, and grew up on a small farm. At the age of 18 he left home to work in the gold mining community of Balmertown, in N.W. Ontario. After an accident underground in 1959, he left the mines to sell life insurance, and drive school bus and taxi. This led to his training for, and running the Red Lake Airport facility for Transport Ltd., a regional airline. He purchased Red Lake Travel in 1969, which he developed into a thriving business in five years, adding a rental car franchise into the mix. Meanwhile, Gail obtained her general insurance license and opened a successful insurance agency. In 1974, he and Gail made the decision to sell and move to the west so the children would have a better chance at a further education, post high school. After scouring the Fraser Valley towns, looking for a nice place to settle down again, they chose Maple Ridge, where they purchased Maple Ridge Travel in 1976. Ernie took an active interest in local politics, having served as a School Trustee for nine years, and then won a seat on Municipal Council in 1993. He and Gail sold Maple Ridge Travel in 2004 and retired. The family wishes to thank Dr. Paul Simonsic, and all the caring Nurses and Staff at Baillie House and Ridge Meadows Hospital, for their excellent care of Ernie over the past two and a half years. Please, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the charity of choice would be most appreciated. Expressions of condolences can be made below. A Memorial Service will be held at Haney Presbyterian Church at 11858 216th St, Maple Ridge at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 24th. Private interment to follow. Contact information: