Obituary of Joseph Ernest Brunet

(Joseph) Ernest BRUNET - age 91, died peacefully at McNally House on March 10, 2018 with his loving family at his side.  Loved and will be deeply missed by his spouse of 61 years, Shirley (nee Daniels), and his children, Tony (Janice), Joanne (Dave) Foster, Alex (Linda), and Gerald. Loved dearly as ‘Papa’ by Greg (Sara), Courtney, Jennifer, Lorne (Valerie), Larissa (Bryan), Tamara (Ryan), Melissa, Ryan, Nicole, Mitchell, and his Great Grandchildren – Graham, Rory, Norah, Brooklyn, Noah and Claire.  Fondly remembered by Anne-Marie, Beverly, and in-laws Jean Sauve, Brian (Rosemary) Daniels, Joan (Alex) Spink, June (Murray) Demaine, Audrey (Peter) Papps, Norma Potvin, and many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his parents Antoine and Olivene “Alvine” (nee Samson) Brunet, siblings and in-laws - Bertha (Conrad) Leblanc, Therese (Achille) Perrette, Hilda (Howard) Proulx, Angeline, Pauline Sauve, Paul (Blanche), Louis (Noella), Sam (Margaret “Peggy”), Alcide (Agathe), and Mervin Daniels.

Born at Alexandria, Ont. on June 1, 1926.  With 3 brothers serving overseas, Ernie enlisted at Kingston in 1944 to the Canadian Infantry Corps and trained in Quebec until the W.W. II European theatre ended.  He then joined the Canadian Army Pacific Force (CAPF) training in Vernon, B.C. until the Pacific theatre ended.  He received his release from the army in 1946, and was decorated with the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and the War Medal 1939-45.  In 1948, Ernie joined Ontario Hydro, and worked as a hydro lineman for 35 dedicated years until his retirement in 1983. 

Ernie made Beamsville ‘home’ in 1956.  He enjoyed the local community and established many memorable friendships.  He was a regular attendee at sports venues over the years supporting his children and grandchildren.  In his youth, Ernie was an avid lacrosse and hockey player, and enjoyed fishing and hunting.  He loved watching many sports, and was a devoted fan of the Montreal Canadians and the Toronto Blue Jays.  He was a long time parishioner of the St. Helen’s R.C. Church community, and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council.

Family will receive friends at the Vineland Chapel of TALLMAN FUNERAL HOME, 3277 King St., Vineland, on Thursday, March 15, 2018 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. & 6:00-8:00 p.m. (Vigil prayers at 7:30 p.m.).  Mass for Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 16 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Helen’s Church, 4106 Mountain Street, Beamsville.  Rite of Committal at Mount Osborne Cemetery, Beamsville.  Donations will be accepted by St. Helen’s Church and McNally House in lieu of flowers.  Many thanks to the wonderful staff of Maplecrest Village, HNHB LHIN, staff & volunteers of McNally House, Dr. Hansenberger, Dr. Marshall and Mary Catharine who made his last days more comfortable.