TILLEMAN – Ernest “Ernie” Carl Tilleman passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2003, at the age of 79 years, beloved husband of Shirley Tilleman of Medicine Hat. He also leaves to cherish his memory his children, Wayne (Leslie) Willis, Floyd Willis, Marilyn (Elmer) Doerksen, Wanda Willis, Richard (Cindy) Willis; eight grandchildren Noalene (Gary)- their children Arianna and Ciara; Justin, Shon, Dana, Lindsay, Dustin (Melissa), Jared and Jesse; one sister Viola Haag as well as numerous nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Pauline Tilleman, three brothers Arnold, Robert and Harold; three sisters Edna, Anna and Rena. Ernie was born on March 27, 1924 at a farm east of Schuler. He was raised and received his education there. In the spring of 1954 he began to farm near Hays and in 1967 Ernie purchased a General Insurance Agency, Tilleman Agencies which he continued to operate until 1993 . On August 3, 1968 Ernie married Shirley. They bought an acreage and built a home at Hays where they raised their family. While living in Hays he served on the Hays Grazing Association as Director and Range Boss. He was a counsellor for the M.D. of Taber from 1969 – 1974. Ernie loved to play ball in his younger years and was very proud of the family ball team, the Tilleman Flashbacks. In 1993 Ernie and Shirley retired to Medicine Hat where they built a home. Ernie also loved to curl throughout his life and began golfing during his retirement, which became his passion. In May of 2003 he got his hole in one! The funeral service was held in St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Medicine Hat on Saturday, November 8, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Bob Cruickshank officiating. Cremation to follow. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society #102 Crestwood Square One, 1865 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z8 or to the Palliative Care Program 666 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, T1A 4H6. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Ernie Tilleman. Arrangements are by the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 2V6. Please call 526-2214 for further information.
