Obituary of Ernest (Ernie) Hickson

HICKSON: Ernest Stanley Hickson was born on the family farm in Elton Municipality, Manitoba, on January 25, 1924. He was the eldest son of Harry and Elizabeth Hickson and attended Powerville School, along with his nine siblings. He began his farming career with his dad, continued with his son Darcy, and later with his grandson, Donovan. He started with horses but saw many changes in farming equipment as he moved from dairy to beef cattle, mixed farming to organic farming. In 1953, he married Gwen Brownridge and together they raised three children: Greg (Diane) Hickson, Winnipeg; Darcy (Wendy) Hickson; and Judy Osinski (Joe) Calgary. He had seven grandchildren, each of which he considered a true gift: Julie (Mike), Jill and Dana Hickson; Emily (Blake) and Donovan Hickson; Paul and Andrew Osinski. Farming was Ernie's life, but he made time for baseball in the summer and curling in the winter. He was also dedicated to church and community. Over the years, he served on the Elton Municipal Council, the Forrest Community Rink board and Forrest United Church Council. He believed the future rested with young people and he made a point of being involved with young people all his life. In the community, he coached hockey and lead 4-H and in the church and he ran the Tyro Boys groups and sang in the choir. He drew children to him like flies and ended up being an adopted grandfather to many children, who affectionately called him "Grandpa Hickson". He wasn't much of a traveller, but he went willingly with Gwen to visit family and relatives at points east and west. What he really loved was going to local cattle shows or the Manitoba Agricultural Museum at Austin, or any other excursions that allowed him to visit all day and be home at night. About 10 years ago, he and Gwen retired to Brandon to live on 26th Street. They enjoyed their time there until March 2017, when they moved into Victoria Landing. After a brief illness, Ernie completed his life here on Saturday, October 13, 2018. He will be missed by many who loved his endless wit that could light up the room with laughter, his kindness and his love. Ernie is remembered by his wife of 65 years, Gwen; his children; his grandchildren; his sisters: Edith (Bill) Docking of Teulon, MB and Betty (Bill) Witter of Vernon, B.C.; his sister-in-law Gail Hickson, Brandon, MB and many nieces and nephews. Ernie was predeceased by his parents Harry and Elizabeth Hickson; sisters: Mabel (George) Croy; Evelyn (Alf) Anderson; Ivy (Joe) Prost and Connie (Jock) McDougall; brothers: Donald (Elaine), Lorne (Byng) (Norma) and Kenneth (Gail). A Funeral Service for family and invited close friends will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332 – 8th Street, on Tuesday, October 23 at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Barb Jardine officiating. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Ernie may be made to a charity of choice.