Ponting – John Ernest Ponting passed away peacefully in Brooks on February 2nd, 2008 at the age of 91 years. Born in Sault St. Marie, Ontario on February 9th, 1916, his family moved to Millicent when he was 4 years of age. Ernie, as he was often called, was the 7th of 11 children. He grew up in the Millicent area and later met Dorothy Holmes whom he married on February 9th, 1941 in Brooks. They moved to the west coast in 1942 where he worked at various jobs for 16 years. The prairies kept calling his name so they moved back home in 1958 and bought the Carl Nygaard farm in the Rolling Hills area. Ernie bought the service station in 1960 from Orville Ziegler and later sold it to Harvey Gobiel. He then purchased the Godkin farm. Ernie operated the grader in the Rolling Hills area for a number of years as well as the local greenhouse where many new friends were made. They retired to Brooks and have resided here since. Ernie is survived by his loving family, wife Dorothy of Brooks, who was married to Ernie just 1 week short of 67 years; 3 sons, William Lloyd and his wife Madeline of Nanaimo, BC, Ralph Ernest and his wife Dorothy of Scandia and Robert Leslie and his wife Janette of Hays; 9 grandchildren, Adam, Annette, Michelle, Brian, Jackie, Jewel, Shelly, John and Cheryl; 19 great grandchildren; 2 sisters Mildred (Alex) Smith of Kelowna, BC and Blanche (Gordon) Smith of Sannich, BC and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 8th from Smith Memorial Chapel. Rev. Walter Willford officiated. Pallbearers were Trevor Lanz, John Ponting, Mike Ibach, Brian Ponting, Joe Monti and Brian McLean. Interment followed at 3:00 PM in Rolling Hills Cemetery. In memory of Ernie, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to the charity of choice. Arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME. Telephone 362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652.
