Obituary of Ernest Huntley O'Hara

Ernest Huntley O'Hara formerly of Moncton passed away at the age of 93. Preceded in death by Margaret Mary O'Neill (1923-2007), his darling wife of 63 years, and his young daughter Margaret Ann (1951-1970), he leaves behind his only son, Ernest John (Jacqueline) O'Hara; and seven daughters: Mary (Matt) Kimball; Sharon O'Hara (Paul Parker); Joanie Schecter (Grant Woods); Marian (Rob) Kimball; Maureen (Hugh) MacFarlane; Colleen (Rick) Steel and Kathleen O'Hara. Also, Ernest will be greatly missed by his cherished 22 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren, and his sister Beatrice Dalahanty, his sisters in law Mary (Chris) Malloy and Theresa Sutton both of Newfoundland as well as many extended family members and dear friends. Born to John and Florence O'Hara, in Canso, NS, Ernest went on to attend St. Francis Xavier University. He then taught school for several years before joining the Federal Department of Transportation in 1940. In 1942, while he was serving in Newfoundland, Ernest began his life long career as a husband and father, when he met and married his soul mate Margaret Mary O'Neill. He and Margie had eight daughters and one son. Together with their growing family, they shared many wonderful adventures. From 1943-1952; Ernest served in Churchill, Manitoba; Chesterfield Inlet, Nunavut, and Sable Island, NS. His memories, photographs and stories portrayed the unique times and places he loved. The family always returned to Nova Scotia for periods of time between postings. In 1954, he accepted the position of Officer in Charge of St. John's Newfoundland Marine Aeradio Station. In 1964, Ernest moved his family to Moncton, NB, where he was appointed Regional Emergency Measurers Co-coordinator for the Air Services Branch of the Department of Transport for Atlantic Canada. In Moncton, Ernest served for a time as President of the Moncton area Amateur Radio Club. He was also very active in Holy Family Parish and a member of the Knights of Columbus. As well, he was an avid photographer who left a history of the family which covers over sixty-five years. Ernest and Margaret eventually retired to Windsor, NS, where you could still find him on the roof of his home adjusting his Ham Radio Antenna. He (VE1AG) and Margaret (VE1YV) were active Amateur Radio operators since the early 1940's. Ernest will be remembered for his gentle and unassuming ways and his quiet wisdom; his ability to speak in front of any crowd with poise and humor; his eternally winning spirit; and most importantly for his enduring love of family, friends and country. Sleep peacefully sweet Prince. Resting at Tuttle Brothers Funeral Home, Lutz St. Moncton on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 from 2:00 to 4:00pm and 7:00 to 9:00pm. Parish Prayers and sharing of memories will be held at the funeral home Wednesday evening at 8:30pm. The funeral mass will be held at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, Falkland Dr. Moncton on Thursday, April 2, 2009 at 11:00am with Fr. Phil Mulligan officiating. Interment will be in Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery in the spring. The O'Hara family wishes to thank Ernest's granddaughter Shannon MacDonald ; family friend Tammy Burgess; his doctors, Mark Kazimirski and Jim Lahey and the wonderful Windsor Elms Nursing Home staff; the directors, nurses, LPNs, personal care workers as well as the kitchen, cleaning and maintenance staff. They have worked so diligently and cared so deeply and compassionately for our dear father during his stay at the Elms. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Tuttle Bros. Funeral Home 171 Lutz Street Moncton, NB (506) 857-8564. Online condolences can be made via www.tuttlefuneralhome.ca Service Information Wednesday, April 1, 2009