Regimental Number: M1733
Rank: Private
Ernest, born on April 13, 1926 at Bezanson, was the youngest of Roy and Margaret (Maggie) Robideau’s five children; Peter, Alfred, Amelia, Leo and Ernest. Roy, born in Stanley, Wisconsin was living in International Falls when he decided to move to Alberta in 1917. Maggie, a WWI war bride, was from Kirkdale, England. After the war, the young couple settled on a farm in the Bezanson area. The children all grew up on the family farm and attended Lindsay School.
Ernie worked on the family farm and in the Bezanson area until May 22, 1944 when he enlisted in the Army at Calgary (Regimental # M1733). He served as a Private in Canada and received the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal. Ernie was discharged on demobilization on May 29, 1946 in Calgary and returned home to the family farm at Bezanson.
On September 7, 1951, Ernie married Marjorie Coney and they had six children; Cynthia, Lyle, Denise, Valerie, Dale and Dean. The family lived in Grande Prairie and Ernie, fondly known as Goose, worked for McCullough Tools for many years and then became employed as a carpenter. They moved to Edmonton in 1969 where Ernie worked for Bobby Whalen for a period of time. Marjorie and the children decided to move back to the Grande Prairie area in the 70’s; however, Ernie remained in Edmonton.
Ernie passed away on December 25, 2009 at Edmonton and was buried at the Glen Leslie Cemetery. He has 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and one great, great-grandchild.
Marjorie passed away on May 24, 2017 and was buried at the Glen Leslie Cemetery.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources:
Smoky River to Grande Prairie
Interview with Val (Robideau) Black – daughter
Photos courtesy of Val Black