Obituary of Ernest John Casselman

Ernie Casselman, beloved husband of the late Norma Casselman, passed away in Wainwright at the age of 88 years. Left to cherish his memory are his brothers, Donald of Three Hills, Alberta; Thomas of Scottsbluff, Nebraska; his sister Carol (Nick) Pivtoran of Eatonia, Saskatchewan ; numerous nieces and nephews ; his dogs Danny and Meisha as well as a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He was predeceased by his wife of fifty years, Norma; his parents, Elgin and Emily Casselman; an infant sister, Marion; father-in-law, Art Patterson and mother-in-law, Velma Patterson; sister-in-law, Frances Redmond and her husband, Don Redmond; nephew, Terry Pivtoran; and Norma’s niece, Dixie Bowen. Ernie was born in Kindersley, Saskatchewan and went to school in Madison. After high school he worked on the farm at Madison then went to Glidden for a few years until he got a job in oil drilling down south and up around Lloydminster. He went back to his trade as a mechanic in Ribstone, Alberta and became part owner of the local garage. He married Norma Patterson in 1958 in Wainwright and obtained his teaching degree at University of Alberta. They moved to Medicine Hat in 1965 where they both taught school. Ernie taught Industrial Arts at Medicine Hat High School and retired in 1985. In retirement they loved working on their farm south of Medicine Hat, planting many shrubs and trees. Ernie loved the land; he seeded crops of oats, wheat, and flax and a bountiful vegetable garden and flowers. They enjoyed traveling afar as well as nearby for round or square dancing, and skiing. There were many trips to Yuma, Arizona in their motor home to spend the winters where they loved Round Dancing with the Carousel Club and visiting friends. After Norma’s passing Ernie moved to Wainwright. He loved to travel near and far with his little dogs to visit family and friends. He always had a funny story to tell and he is missed by many. In honour of Ernie’s wishes there will be an intimate family gathering to inter himself and his beloved Norma at Wainwright Cemetery.