Ernest George Perrault

PERRAULT, Ernest George February 9, 1922 - February 17, 2010 Our beloved Ernie passed away peacefully in his sleep with his children by his side. Predeceased by his mother Flossie, sister Marjorie and brother Ray, Ernie is survived by his brother, Gordon Jameson, his children, Lisa (Bob), Larry (Jacquie), Michelle (Joff) and Steve (Josee) and his grandchildren, Nicole, Mike, Cassie, Jack, Sam and Charlotte. He is also deeply missed by his sister-in-law, Barbara Perrault, special friends, Marina Carballo and Audrey Eggins, as well as his many nieces and nephews and all their children. Ernie always advised and abided by the saying "Follow Your Bliss". For him, this meant writing and a career that spanned seven decades leaving a legacy of award winning books, plays, documentaries, short stories, radio plays, musicals and poetry that will be treasured forever. At 18 years-old Ernie joined the Air Force and was stationed in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia where, as a member of 160 Squadron, he was a navigator assigned to submarine patrol off the Atlantic Coast. He used his Veteran's Bill to go to the University of British Columbia where he became president of the Radio Society and wrote for the campus newsletter. Together with his brother Ray, Ernie was awarded the Great Trekker Award in 1987, an honour bestowed upon UBC Alumni who have gone on to distinguish themselves in their field. As a city boy growing up during the Depression, Ernie had little exposure to the outdoors until a local charity gave him the opportunity to go to camp when he was 13. This experience changed his life and instilled in him a deep appreciation for nature. He camped, fished, hiked and hunted. He loved sharing these experiences with his friends and family and there are countless numbers of kids who attribute their first fish to Ernie's guidance. Like one of his awesome campfire stories, Ernie has left us wanting more. A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, March 28, 2:00pm at Lynn Valley Cardinal Hall, 3590 Mountain Highway, North Vancouver. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ernie's memory to the YMCA of Greater Vancouver's residential camping programs are gratefully appreciated. Donations can be mailed to the YMCA, 1166 Alberni Street, Suite 200, Vancouver, BC V6E 3Z3.