In Memory of Ernie Forre
by Lee Hunt
Ernie Forre was a humble, hardworking man who cared greatly for his family and friends.
Ernie was born in 1931 and raised in Bawlf, AB. After completing grade nine, Ernie worked in a Bawlf auto repair shop for two years, then went to a service station in Camrose and began his apprenticeship through NAIT.
Ernie and Claire (nee Peter) were married in Bawlf in 1954 then lived in Camrose until 1965. In that year, Ernie, Claire, and their four children moved to Calgary so that Ernie and his good friend Bram and wife Rita (both also from Camrose) could become business partners in a Petro Canada station on 9 Ave and Centre St N. Later the pair ran a Texaco station at 16 Ave and 4 St NW. Business was good, but the hours (7:00 am to 7:00 pm, seven days a week) kept Ernie away from Claire and his growing family too much. So, in 1980, Ernie switched to a job at the Foothills Hospital Maintenance Department with better hours. He retired in 1980.
Much of that “extra” time was spent helping the Brentwood community. For many years, each winter, Ernie and his brother-in-law Gordon Cook created the Brentwood outdoor rink by the Skate Shack and Old Hall. For a number of years, the two men flooded the rink using a hose from the Skate Shack. Eventually, Ernie and Gordon created an ice flooding machine. When I interviewed Ernie and Claire for a Bugle article in 2012, Ernie described the machine, “It consisted of a 45-gallon barrel mounted on two wheels. It had a four-foot wand on the back to spray warm water on the ice through gunny sacks to make a smooth surface. Minus 22 meant no ice activities, so that’s when we were out flooding.” When I commented to Claire that Ernie must have returned home frozen, she replied, “Ernie just got accustomed to it.” Anything so that the neighbourhood children and teens could enjoy skating and hockey.
Still in the community spirit, Ernie and Claire bought a debenture to support the building of the Brentwood Sportsplex in 1976. Ernie also put in numerous hours helping to actually build the Sportsplex.
The pair were avid square dancers – initially with the Brentwood Twirlers group which danced in the Old Hall. Eventually they joined the Dots and Dashers Square dance group and got to square dance in the Opening Ceremonies of the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. Ernie was also a driver for international Olympic athletes which he especially enjoyed and through which he established a large pin collection! After the Games, the drivers and their spouses were all invited to a big social event at the Red and White Club. It was a very special occasion which Ernie and Claire especially enjoyed.
Those Olympics highlighted much of Ernie’s character – he liked to help others and worked hard at whatever he took on. Claire told me that Ernie always showed compassion and consideration toward others. She told me that, “Ernie was more of a serious person, sort of a Jack of all trades who could build or fix anything.” He helped many neighbours build their fences and because Ernie had 11 grandchildren, one year he made wooden Valentine’s hearts for all of them.
After Ernie’s obituary appeared in The Calgary Herald, long-time friends Rita and Barry wrote about, “The cinnamon buns and other baking which Ernie kindly brought for the service station staff to share at coffee”. Ken, who worked for Ernie as a high school student, commented “At a pivotal point in my life, Ernie offered me support, kindness, and caring”.
Throughout their marriage, Ernie, Claire, plus the children often took holidays – using a tent and small trailer. Over the years, the family visited much of Canada and the US. In their retirement years, Ernie and Claire travelled in a motorhome plus often joined a tour group from Camrose and thus got to meet up with old friends.
We at The Bugle extend our condolences to Claire plus all of Ernie’s family. Indeed, Ernie lived a full life. Ninety-two years of achievement, travelling, and caring. He will be missed.
A Special Message from Claire Forre
We would like to thank our family, friends, and neighbours for the much-appreciated support we’ve received over the past few months.
Also, thanks for the cards, flowers, food, and good wishes after Ernie’s passing on April 18, 2024. It’s so important and comforting to live in this community where people care for one another.
Claire Forre and family
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