Mr. Ernest Alfred Fantin of Blairmore, Alberta, beloved husband of Anne Fantin and devoted father of Debbie and Darren, was called to be with the Lord on March 7, 2015 at the age of 83 years.
Ernie was born on July 8, 1931 in Bellevue, Alberta to Angelo and Elsie Fantin. He resided in Blairmore his entire life where he received his formal education. As an earnest and responsible young man, Ernie gained employment at Tronos Jewelry Store, Thompson’s General Store, Kubik’s Grocery Store, at Simpson Sears as a deliveryman and an orderly at the CNP Hospital. During the mid 50’s, Ernie was asked to help at the local funeral parlour and obtained his Mortician’s License in 1960. In 1963, he built Fantin’s Hillside Chapel in Coleman. He later purchased the Funeral Home in Blairmore and became the sole funeral home proprietor for the Crowsnest Pass and area. He also established Fantin’s Ambulance Service. Ernie and Anne faithfully served our community for many years before retiring in 1995.
Ernie had many passions in his life including playing the violin, hosting social gatherings at his home or his cherished lake lot at Lees Lake, and donating his time to our community. His sense of humour was memorable to say the least, and with all the sadness that his job entailed, he knew the value of laughter and friendship.
Ernie served as Mayor of Blairmore from 1971 – 1978. He also kept active with his membership in the Knights of Columbus, sitting on council and obtaining his fourth degree. He was a member of the CNP Curling Club, the Blairmore Legion, a Past President of the Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Pincher Mountaineer Good Sam’s Travel Club and regularly called bingo at the York Creek Lodge. Even after retirement, Ernie still assisted in numerous organizations including Meals on Wheels, the CNP Museum, the Lions’ Music Festival, Chairman for the K of C Games & Lottery commission and the council’s Financial Secretary. He was later awarded the prestigious Minister’s Senior Service Award and the Community Volunteer Award. Throughout all his commitments and endeavors, Ernie recognized that his greatest love and responsibility was for his family. He tried very hard to maintain his role within the community while being the best husband and father he could be. He was greatly admired, immensely loved and shall be dearly missed.
“There’s an open gate at the end of the road
Through which each must go alone,
And there, in a light we cannot see,
Our Father claims His own…
Beyond the gate your loved one finds happiness and rest,
And there is comfort in the thought that a loving God knows best.”
He is survived by his devoted wife, Anne “Gina” Fantin; his beloved children, Debbie Fantin of Halifax, Nova Scotia and Darren Fantin of Calgary; his cherished grandchildren, Lindsay (Jordan Hine) Forgeron of Halifax, NS, Caitlin Fantin and Hanna Fantin of Calgary; sister, Evelyn Pye of Ontario; sister-in-law, Jean Fantin of Edmonton; his nephews, Rick (Karen) Fantin of Edmonton and Mark Fantin of Edmonton; nieces, Laurie (Alan) Wells, Sandy (Greg) Fiel, Donna (Lawrence) Greave and Glenda Pye; his extended family as well as the many friends he made throughout his lifetime.
He was predeceased by his infant son, Bruce Fantin; his parents, Angelo and Elsie Fantin; his brother, Ronald Fantin; his brother-in-law, Roger Pye; and several in-laws.
The Funeral Mass celebrating Ernie’s life will be held on Friday, March 13, 2015 at 11:00 am at the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Blairmore (13126-21 Ave) with Fr. Ben Marino and Deacon Renso Castellarin officiating. Honour Guards will be the members of the Knights of Columbus and Royal Canadian Legion. Cremation will occur at Fantin’s Funeral Chapel’s crematorium. Interment of cremated remains will take place at a later date in the Blairmore Catholic Cemetery. Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca. Donations in memory of the late Ernest A. Fantin may be directed towards the Holy Trinity Church Building Fund, Box 1410, Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0 and the CNP S.P.C.A., Box 725, Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0.
Fantin's Funeral Chapel honoured to serve the family. (403) 562-8555.