Obituary of Harold " William " Ernst

Harold (William) Ernst passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on December 20th, 2017. He was born on September 27th, 1938 in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada to the late Gustav and Margaret (Wetzstein) Ernst.

 Harold is survived by his wife Barbara (Holtz) Ernst whom he liked to refer to as “the love of my life“ They met in KCI High School and were married on June 9, 1962 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Kitchener, Ontario. Together they loved gardening, dancing and visiting with their children and grandchildren.

 He is also survived by his daughter Caroline and her husband Joseph Gemmati and their children Elaina and Jack of Poughkeepsie, NY.

 Also by his son David Ernst, and his wife Alisa and their daughters Emily and Erin of Ayr, Ontario Canada.

 Harold came from a large family and is survived by his many brothers and sisters: Lucille and Bob Paetz of London, Ontario, Waldo and Inke Ernst of Berowra Heights, Australia, Robert and Brenda Ernst of Newmarket, Ontario, Murial and the late Alfred Storer of Kitchener, Ontario, Richard and Gayle Ernst of Kitchener, Ontario,  Ruth and Steve Hildebrand of Kitchener, Ontario, and many nieces and nephews.

 Harold loved classical music and played the violin from a very young age. He won numerous awards and merits, and eventually had to choose between a career with the Toronto Symphony orchestra or in the telecommunications industry. Harold began his long and successful career working as an installer for Bell Canada, and worked his way to upper management at Northern Telecom/Nortel. He loved his job and was very proud of his work and devoted to his company. He transferred to Calgary Alberta Canada, Tarrytown NY, and Cary North Carolina before retiring and moving to Poughkeepsie in 2004.

 Harold had a religious upbringing and even lived with his grandfather Reverend Dr. Christian Thomas Wetzstein and his grandmother while their whole family moved to Kitchener Ontario to found Redeemer Lutheran Church. In his later years Harold joined all Saints Lutheran Church in Billings New York and was warmly welcomed by everyone. It gave him great joy and comfort to attend their weekly services and Bible studies.

 Arrangements are under the direction of Timothy Doyle and son F.H. Inc, 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 calling hours will be on Thursday, December 28 from 6 to 8 PM. If

you would like to send an online condolence please visit our website at www.doylefuneralhome.com