Mr. Ernest Melvyn Oakley passed peacefully on the evening of July 15, 2025 with family by his side at St. Joseph’s Hospice Thunder Bay. He courageously faced his cancer diagnosis and was determined to put up a HELL OF A FIGHT, day by day, with out aid of medical treatment or intervention so he could continue to live an independent life style of his choice.
Ernie was born October 23, 1931 at McKellar General Hospital, Fort William to William Melvyn Oakley and Evelyn Mae Cambridge, raised on North Brodie St., lovingly labelled as one of the many Brodie St. brats in his neighbourhood. He attended Drew St. School and Selkirk Vocational High School and began working at an early age delivering news papers, before acquiring a helpers position at Mahon Electric in 1948 and retired in 1997 as a journeyman technician after 49 years of dedicated service. In his youth he participated in many sports, excelling in the Lakehead Baseball Association and moving up through minor hockey to the junior Fort William Hurricanes, QSHL Shawinigan-Falls Cataracts, NHL Detroit Red Wings training camp, WHL New Westminster Royals and completing his on ice career with the senior Fort William Beavers. Dad always enjoyed watching the original NHL teams on the black and white TV’s because the boys played the game for the GLORY. On March 22, 1952 he married Doreen Agnes Douglas with whom he celebrated 58 yrs of marriage and raised 2 children until her passing in December, 2011. Many stories were passed onto friends and family about the escapades they experienced on his Harley Davidson motorcycle in their pre marriage years which dad had to sell to support the mortgage of a home and family. Mom and Dad took on large DIY projects as they purchased fixer-up multi unit homes in the city and ventured out to become landlords to support their futures. It was a big undertaking, financially demanding and they managed the odds well. Travelling with Doreen to Florida and visiting family in Toronto was always a highlight as it delighted dad to drive extended hours behind the wheel of his highway cruiser car while mom navigated the maps and provided the onboard goodies. Ernie was a dedicated, enthusiastic and committed V.W. Master Mason, Khartum Shriner Lakehead Shrine Club and Scottish Rite. After retiring dad spent many hours in his large DIY garage in Westfort repairing cars and any project that attracted his expertise. Ernie is survived by his children Dale (Diane), Carolyn (David) Myers, grandchildren Kaity (Shane Elias) Oakley, Kim (Pete) Hayes, Michelle (Justin) Grochowski, Tanya Myers, great-grandchildren Nora Hayes, Macklin Grochowski, Benjamin Smith. As per his wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial funeral service for friends and family will be held Monday, July 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., First Wesley United Church, 130 Brodie St. N, Thunder Bay, officiated by Rev. Joyce Yanishewski. After the church hall reception, interment of Ashes will be in Old Mountain View Cemetery in the family plot. If so desired donations to Shriner’s Hospital for Children Canada and St. Joseph’s Foundation of Thunder Bay would greatly be appreciated.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
