It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ernest Peter Bakes of Stratford. He passed peacefully and pain free at his home surrounded by his family.
He leaves behind his wife Brenda (Mitchell) of 40 years and his children Andrew, Nicole, and her partner Brandon Carter. Ernie is survived by his sister Marlene, her husband David Thomas, and their family Adam, Christian and Kate Thomas, sister-in-law Jane Mitchell, brother-in-law Jim Mitchell, and grandson Mitchell Bakes Carter. He was predeceased by his parents Peter and Magdalena (Kolbrich) Bakes, his sister Rosemary, his parents-in-law Maurice and Edith (Balsdon) Mitchell.
Ernie grew up on a farm in Gadshill, where his life-long love of modifying and fixing just about anything began. He became a Licensed Industrial Mechanic Millwright, working at Hanson Mohawk, Korlin, Crane, and Cami throughout his career.
Ernie loved garage sales and finding a bargain, or his next challenge of something to fix. He always enjoyed helping to solve problems, and finding creative ways to make a hard job easier. He enjoyed researching his family genealogy, and trying to re-connect with former class mates and friends. He played baseball, loved triva and cheap movie nights, and just hanging out with friends. He was always offering his home as a place to get together.
Visitation will be held at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford on Monday, July 4, from 4-8 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Livestream available under Ernest’s obituary on the funeral service website. A private family interment will take lace following cremation. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Kiwanis Club of Stratford – Concerts in the Park, the Alzheimer’s Society, or the charity of your choice. 519.271.7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
