Tuesday, March 10, 2026
I am almost 65 years old and knew Ern Crosse my entire life. Evelyn's parents and mine were neighbours when Evelyn and I were born. Yes, Evelyn is my 'oldest' and dearest friend. After Ern passed away I pondered his meaning in my life. What came to mind first was "it takes a village". Ern created opportunities for me that I never would have had. My earliest memories are of our Halloween nights. Ern and my Dad always took us out, patiently wandered the streets, and shelled peanuts. Ern would cook us breakfast after sleepovers. Kippers and fried potato pancakes were typically on the menu. Among the many boats he built he taught Evelyn and I how to sail one of them. I remember the lake at Kelso where he could see us clearly as we criss-crossed our way across the water. To this day I love cross country skiing. I wonder if I ever would have learned the sport if not for him. Ern would take us often to The Eaton Estate in King City. We had wooden skiis that needed waxed. I can still smell the wax and wood burning stove in the ski shed. It's still one of my favourite things to do. And then there's camping. I did not come from a family of campers but I experienced it with "Mr. Crosse". Wow he was patient with us. He loved nature and simplicity. I remember him scrubbing pots and pans and helping us put up our little orange tents. But we can't forget Disney World. Imagine him hauling 3 little kids, in a car, all the way south ! It doesn't get much better than that. Then of course there's a shared loved of animals, cats in particular. I remember Somers Avenue, playing on the street, the monkey next door (yes really) and a gentle, kind man who always had time for us. Mr. Crosse you made a very positive difference to my childhood and for that I will be eternally grateful. Thank you. May you rest in peace.
