Ernest Murray Huggins
September 26, 2022
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Ernest Murray Huggins on Monday, September 26, 2022, at the age of 86.
Ernest was the loving and devoted husband of Claire (née Dutrizac) for 61 years, and a proud father of Richard (Marlene), Dan (Krissy), and Brenda. He was the dear and cherished grandfather of Patrick, Danielle, and Sarah, and the beloved “Uncle Pop” to many nieces and nephews. Ernest will also be greatly missed by his sister Phyllis (David, 2013), and his brothers, Terry (Bette), Norman (Leah Anne), Michael (Trudy) and Brian (Conny). Ernest was predeceased by his parents Ernest and Norah.
Ernest was born on December 23, 1935, in Paddockwood, Saskatchewan and was a graduate of the Ontario College of Education and Western University, where he earned his B.A. and M.Ed. degrees.
Ernest enjoyed a long and fulfilling career in education as a Teacher, Technical Director, Vice Principal, and Board of Education Program Supervisor. He touched the lives of many students, starting in Kitchener, followed by Wheable, Clarke Road, and Montcalm Secondary Schools in London. Ernest was passionate about extra-curricular experiences for students. He coached football, wrestling, and basketball, produced and directed numerous school shows, and supervised many school dances.
Ernest was an accomplished sprinter in high school and a highly competitive black belt judoka. He taught judo for many years, starting clubs in Stratford and London. Ernest served on the Board of the Canadian Cancer Society in London, participated in countless community fundraising activities, and was honoured to be named “London’s Outstanding Young Man” by the London Jaycees for 1973.
Ernest joined the Freemasons in 1961 and remained an active member for more than 60 years. In 2004, he was elected to the position of District Deputy Grand Master for South Huron.
Ernest’s greatest joy was time spent with his immediate and large extended family; family meant everything to Ernest.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 29, 2022, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., and on Friday, September 30, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London. The funeral service will be conducted in the funeral chapel on Friday, September 30, 2022, at 12:00 p.m., followed immediately by the interment ceremony at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 303 Riverside Drive, London. A reception at Westview Funeral Chapel will follow the interment. For those unable to attend, the family welcomes you to participate in the service via livestream on the funeral home website.
To view the livestream, please click here: Registration page to view Ernest’s service on Friday, September 30, 2022 at 12:00 p.m.
A Masonic Memorial Service under the auspices of Tecumseh Lodge No. 144 will take place on Thursday, September 29, 2022, at 5:30 p.m.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Ernest are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society.
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Dear Claire and family I just heard now of Ernie’s passing. I am so sorry I missed being there. Ernie was the soul of his family, friends and the Neighbourhood. He was Always willing to smile And offer a hand , no Matter what for. I missed All of you for good reason, when I moved. You have my heartfelt Sympathy, love and open Heart and hands to help In any way you need, if Only to talk. Remember, I’m just around the corner! Audrey Nebel
Ernie was a wonderful friend and mentor to me. We met in the 1980's, I was a volunteer in technical ed classrooms, an auto mechanic by trade. When I went to teacher's college, Ernie always has wise words of encouragement and perspective for this 'rookie' teacher. He sincerely was interested in both students and staff and always brought out the best in both. Thank you Ernie, you made me a better teacher.
To Claire, Brenda, Dan, Richard and your extended family and friends, we send our sincerest condolences to you all. Ernie was a lifelong best friend to Keith, who is mourning his loss deeply. Hughart Construction was a perfect blend of skills, friendship and a desire to be of service to loved ones, family and friends. Ernie did so much for so many throughout his life, which is captured so well in his obituary. Dan's eulogy was beautiful, and won't be forgotten. We celebrate his life, cherish the memories and send our support to you all during these difficult days. Sincerely, Helen, Chuck, Bowie and Sylvia
A wordsmith, a storyteller, a man of dry humour, a creative soul, a kind heart and more besides. A good man. That’s one mighty legacy, Ernest you are a legend to me. ♥️
My condolences goes out to the Huggins family. It's difficult to list all the things Erinie (the Big E) has done for me over the years. He helped me put a roof on my first house when no one knew what they were doing. Ernie, rest in peace. You will be missed.
We are so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you at this time. May friend, family and memories hold you close.
A donation has been made to Canadian Cancer Society. Message from the donator: Sincere condolences to Dan and the Huggins family. May your many memories give you strength and comfort at this difficult time. Thinking of you with deepest sympathy. Rick and Cathy
Sending love and condolences. You will be missed.
In memory of our last trip to the Stratford Festival. The web of our life is of a mingled yarn, good and ill together: our virtues would be proud, if our faults whipped them not; and our crimes would despair, if they were not cherished by our virtues. ― William Shakespeare, All's Well That Ends Well Until we meet again.
To my best friend of over 70 years, Claire, and her loving family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Your husband, father and grandfather will be missed and Claire is so fortunate to have a loving family to count on. Stay Strong. Jeanette and Wes.
Thinking of Claire and all the family especially Dan and Krissy. Our prayers and condolences are with you at this time. Blessings always.
Sorry to hear of the passing of our good neighbour Ernest. Our condolences go out to Claire and the rest of the family.
To the Huggins Family - please accept our sincerest condolences at this time. Barry very much enjoyed the mentorship, brotherhood that Ernie shared at Lodge. It was a privilege to know Ernie.
Very sad news . My condolences to the family Mr. Huggins was my grade 9 home room teacher back in 1971 . One of my favourite teachers in my years there .
I worked with Ernie at Wheable and then as school administrators our paths crossed many times. He was a delightful colleague with a wicked sense of humour and an abiding concern for the welfare of the students in his care. My condolences to the Huggins family. RIP, Ernie.
Our condolences to the Huggins family. A lessor known talent of Mr. Huggins that was not mentioned in his obituary was his ability to sketch entertaining cartoon figures, on an almost daily basis, upon his son's lunch bags during Dan's summer employment jobs back in the 80's. We all enjoyed them very much - A humorous and multi-talented man that will be missed.
Ernest has been my Father in law for over 35 years, and such a wonderful active grandfather for Patrick, Danielle and Sarah. We have so many great memories - from camping to family dinners and Christmas gatherings . One highlight is a photo of him sitting on a beached iceberg on our Iqaluit trip. There was no stopping him!
Pop, I just can't call him anything else, was a wonderful cousin. Family was his bedrock. His love and devotion to my parents gave him a very special place in their hearts. Pop and my Dad went to England and Sask. together and that meant the world to Dad. Pop was the family organizer and always great fun. One New Year he joined the party wearing only a diaper and a top hat. We have wonderful memories of a wonderful man. He will be sadly missed. Our hearts go out to Claire and all of their family.
Services for Ernest Murray Huggins
Masonic Memorial Service will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
September 29, 2022 5:30 pm
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
September 29, 2022 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
September 30, 2022 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Funeral Service will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
September 30, 2022 12:00 pm
Interment will be held at:
Mount Pleasant Cemetery
303 Riverside Drive,
London, Ontario
September 30, 2022 1:00 pm
Reception will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
September 30, 2022 2:00 pm
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Hello Claire: Beth and I are so sorry for your loss. It was a bit of a shock for me since a couple of months ago Ernie had called with news of Rob Howard’s death. He mentioned that Keith was not doing so well and he was driving him to appointments. Unfortunately, we don’t get a daily paper anymore and Beth happened on his obit on the digital version of the LFP while we were in Ireland three weeks ago. How are you doing? I imagine you miss him terribly but I know you have the comfort of family and many friends. Ernie and I go as far back as 1968 when I joined Wheable SS as a 28-year old English Teacher. But it was not long after that Rob invited me, Ernie, Keith and Ken to come us to his cottage on Williams Lake. As you know, that was a start of our lasting friendship and many memorable fishing weekends. Keith and I directed My Fair Lady on 1971. Ernie was the producer. And I seem to recall you both coming to the UK the following March along with Keith and Sonya and Rob. That was memorable in more ways than one. Beth reminded me of our trip down to Front Royal Virginia, and of the time when you both were helping Susan prepare for the St. Patrick Jig’s Dinner’s at Killahevlin. And that you had both been astonished that her daughter-in-law Twila did not know what an onion looked like. Much later, I remember coaching Ernie prior to his interview for the Technical Program Advisor job at the Board of Education and being so proud he won it. I could go on but please take comfort in my fond memories of Ernie as a true friend. I don’t have your phone number so I’m emailing. It would be nice to have a chat sometime when you are feeling up to it and to share some more stories – not the least of which was the ongoing funny saga, as to who actually owned the trailer we shared. Please pass on our sympathies to Dan and Richard and particularly to Brenda (you may recall she worked for us at Tando). And of course Norman who joined us occasionally at Rob Howard’s cottage. With warmest condolences, Patrick (and Beth)
~ Patrick and Beth O'Kelly