Ernie (Lawrence Ernest) Obirek

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Ernie Obirek, a beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend. Ernie peacefully left us on November 1, 2024, at the age of 83, with family by his side.

Ernie and Ruth Dyck got married in 1983 and lived in Winnipeg briefly before they moved to Lorette. In 2002 they moved to Landmark where they lived for 10 years before moving in 2012 to their last residence together in Ste. Anne. Ernie and Ruth shared 41 years of marriage together, during which they devoted themselves to family, providing many memorable opportunities for their children and grandchildren.

Ernie was predeceased by his parents, Pearl (Woycheshen) and Frank Obirek; his infant daughter, Sandra Obirek; and brothers-in-law, Stan Dash and Roger Dyck. He is survived by his wife Ruth, sisters; Doreen (Al) Deschauer and Bernice Dash; brothers-in-law Ron (Linda), Bob, and sister-in-law Gacheri (Kiunga) Dyck; and his four children: David (Lindsay), Paul (Nicole), Lisa, and Catherine. He will be lovingly remembered by his six cherished grandchildren: Daniel, Mathew, Brendan, Aiden, Roger, and Noah, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family was of utmost importance to Ernie. He deeply loved his children and grandchildren and relished in hearing about their - school, work, sports, art, fishing, travel, and relationships. He worked hard to provide his children with the adventures and education he never had, ensuring all four pursued post-secondary education or training. His dedication created lasting memories, including camping, fishing, grandson's hockey and basketball games, trips to the mountains, the ocean, and Disney World. Ernie enjoyed spontaneous visits with family and friends, always ready for a jovial conversation and a hearty laugh.

Growing up in Winnipeg Manitoba on Newton Street in Elmwood, Ernie attended elementary, middle, and high school there. At 18, he briefly moved to Chicago with his dad for work with friends of his Uncle Mike before returning to Winnipeg, where he joined the Winnipeg Police Service at 19 years old in 1961. Ernie had many great partners throughout his service with Pete Savinkoff and the late Ron Chambers remaining long time close friends of his. Ernie served in both uniform and as a plainclothes detective, making significant contributions in various divisions, including Homicide and the first joint Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Unit with the Manitoba RCMP stationed out of the RCMP ‘D’ Division Headquarters. A member of the Police Pipe Band, he performed at Grey Cups, the Rose Bowl, and numerous other parades and events. Known for his remarkable investigative skills and infectious humor, Ernie retired as a Sergeant in 1991 with just over 30 years of service.

After retiring, Ernie opened Westside Sports Cards in St. James during the collector card craze of the early '90s, forging friendships with many loyal customers over the course of his five years in business. He then worked at Manitoba Lotteries as an Investigator and later as Investigations Manager at Crystal Casino, McPhillips Street Station, and Club Regent over the span of ten years. Following a brief hiatus in the work field, Ernie returned to work part-time at the Rural Municipality of Tache Landfill Site near Lorette, where he remained for six years as he enjoyed socializing with townspeople and their dogs before fully retiring.

He was a story-teller who thrived on community connections, sharing camaraderie with local service providers - from grocery stores and gas stations to the TVM mechanics or the Lorette bar - Ernie embraced a true “small-town, if-you-fix-my-truck-once, let’s-have-a-beer-in-the-garage-like-we’ve-known-each-other-for-decades” spirit. An adventurer and entrepreneur at heart, Ernie loved exploring different cultures and was captivated by stories of underdogs and great deals. His humor, stories, and curiosity will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the healthcare team at Bethesda Hospital for their compassionate care during Ernie's final days. They would also like to thank the Winnipeg Police Service and their Ceremonial Unit for their support.

Friends and loved ones are encouraged to share their memories of Ernie, as his stories and laughter will continue to live on in all of us.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, November 8, 2024, at Southland Church, 190 PTH 52 W, Steinbach, Manitoba. with a reception and lunch to follow at Paradise Village Rec Centre, Paradise Village, Ste. Anne, Manitoba. For those unable to attend in person, the family invites you to join them through livestream.