Ernest Henry Gould

"BIG ERNIE". That's what he was referred to, because there were two "Ernies" in the family. Although I was somewhat younger, I remember the excitement in the house when news spread that Ernie, Ruth, Kathy and Sharon were coming for the weekend. Our brothers, being around Kathy's age, spent lots of fun times playing together. When Sharon was very small, Ernie would hold her on his chest as she slept.
Ernie was a gentle, kind, protective man...a big man with a contagious boyish laughter. He always chatted with all of us, but especially relished the times spent with "the guys", beer in hand. In his quiet ways he displayed his deep love for his mom and dad, family and friends.
His quiet presence not only filled a room but also a place in our hearts. Rest, dear soul, in the quiet heavenly arms of your loved ones.

My cousin, Ernie.....was a strong, quiet, polite, gentle patient man who made no bones about it: He loved his Wife, loved his family, loved a good laugh, loved good times. Needless to say, he made friends easily. Ernie worked and did things with determination. He would tackle anything with the attitude he would "find a way or make it". It was during the times when we lived in or near Toronto when Roberta and Sharon decided they needed to get together to play, that we developed a closer connection with Ernie and Ruth.....a connection that became Best Friends Forever for the four of us. We shared our lives in many ways; from simple meals to celebrations, outings, camping, vacationing, playing cards, or just visiting. Ernie was always quick to offer help to others and he helped us with car repairs and moving. We helped them make a happy transition to retirement. Ernie had a way of making You feel good. We look forward to seeing him again.

There is a picture of my parents’ wedding that has a baby buggy sitting at the back of the church. That’s my cousin Sharon’s baby buggy. Her parents, Ernie and Ruth Gould were there with their little family just as my little family was beginning. And until Ruth passed away a few years ago and now with Ernie joining her, they were with my little family my whole life. Related by blood, but fused by friendship, Ernie and Ruth became my parents’ best friends, and my brother and I grew knowing them as you can only know family you really spend time with over so many years. So much laughter and fun. So much being there in the hard times. So much love.

One of my earliest memories of those times is of glamourous elder sister Kathy heading out on a date from their house on Royal York Road while Sharon and I made up skits to entertain our parents while they were playing a rousing game of cards - always the “boys” against the “girls”. How many games of cards did they play I wonder. Must have been thousands. They played cards during visits to Ernie and my mom’s hometown of Trenton. Cards while camping in Consecon. Cards at the cottage on Boulter Lake. Cards on camping trips to Florida, Nashville, and more. Cards in the winters spent in South Texas. And while my little family moved around, there would always be cards at the dining room table at Ernie and Ruth’s.

I remember Ernie so clearly, holding his cards and contemplating his next move. The twinkle he would get in his eyes when he had a good hand. The laughter that would erupt when there was a victory – especially when it was a surprise to the other team. The good-natured teasing that went on. The fun of just one more game.

I have so many memories of Ernie, but there are some traits that really do stand out when I think of him. Good-natured, quick to laugh, and generous. Thoughtful, careful, and meticulous in many ways. Interested in going places, doing things, and meeting people. Loyal. Quietly persistent. Caring and loving.

The world is a better place because Ernie Gould passed through – and I was so lucky to have him be such a big part of my life for so long. There must be one heck of a party going on in heaven as he joins Ruth and so many of his family and friends. I bet they even break out the cards before long.