Delmar Eugene Ira Ernst

Mr. Delmar Eugene Ira Ernst of Humboldt, and formerly of Watrous, unexpectedly passed away on February 16, 2021, at the age of 89, at the Humboldt District Hospital. Delmar was born in the Guernsey district on June 13, 1931, to Ira and Martha (nee Bumbullis) Ernst. He obtained his education at the Guernsey and Watrous Schools. After graduating high school, he trained in Regina to become a Laboratory and X-ray Technician and worked for several years in Regina, Moose Jaw, Maple Creek, and Watrous hospitals. He later returned to the family farm but continued to work at the Watrous Hospital part-time. While working at the Watrous Hospital, Delmar met Shirley English, a registered nurse. Little did he know that she would steal his heart and become the love of his life. On April 21, 1956, the couple wed in Silton, Saskatchewan, and were soon blessed with four children. Delmar loved to work and thoroughly enjoyed life on the farm. In the ‘60s, Delmar challenged himself by obtaining his pilot’s license through Mitchinson Flying School. He purchased his own plane and developed an airstrip on their farm. Delmar belonged to the Saskatchewan Flying Farmers’ Association and was involved with the Civil Air Search & Rescue Association, which took him to many communities around the province. He was always ready and willing to give a ride to anyone interested. Delmar was a man of faith and was an active member at the Bethany Mennonite Church. Delmar believed Sunday was the Lord’s day and made sure it was spent going to church and flying. Delmar and Shirley enjoyed traveling and visited places such as Australia, Germany, and several destinations across the USA. In 2013, they moved to Humboldt and resided at Caleb Village. They enjoyed their time together in Humboldt. They spent time with their grandchildren, which brought them much joy, and they were immensely proud of each and every one of them. Delmar remained in Caleb Village for one year after Shirley’s death in 2016 before moving to St. Mary’s Villa. Delmar’s gentle, warm personality and winning smile will be lovingly remembered by his four children and eight grandchildren: Bradley (Mearl) Ernst of Watrous and family Brayden Ernst (Peyton) of Regina and Treyl Ernst of Watrous; Michael (Charlene) Ernst of Mission, BC and grand puppy Willie; Cathy McAnally (Harold) of Rosetown and her family Conor McAnally, Calum McAnally (Desiree) and Eilish McAnally all of Humboldt; Julie Yungmann (Dale) of Humboldt and her family Molly Yungmann of Regina, Lily Yungmann (Jan Mark) and Ben Yungmann both of Humboldt; sister Evelyn (Frank) Rasich of Kamloops, BC; sisters - in - law: Barbara Ernst of London, ON and Madge Hull of Red Deer, AB and by numerous nieces and nephews. Delmar was predeceased by his parents Ira and Martha Ernst; wife Shirley Ernst; sister Sylvia (Les) Mills; brother Edward Ernst; and members of the English family.

A Private Family Funeral Service was held on Saturday, February 20, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Watrous Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Doug Gregory.  Interment followed at Watrous Cemetery. Memorial donations in Delmar’s memory may be directed to Watrous District Health Complex Foundation, Box 130, Watrous, SK, S0K 4T0.


The following poem was read by Delmar's granddaughter Eilish McAnally

Alpha Bravo Charlie

You traded your plane wings for angel wings

Sooner than we could learn to recite the

Aviation alphabet

Delta Echo Foxtrot

Stepping up into the Cessna

Golf Hotel India

Turn the engine on

Juliet Kilo Lima

Propellers spinning fast

Mike November Oscar

Dancing free at last

Papa Quebec Romeo

Excitement rushing through your veins

Sierra Tango Uniform

The biggest smile on your face

Victor Whiskey Yankee Zulu

Prepared to take off

To show us the beauty from above and beyond

This is Yankee India Lima

Flying high into the clouds one last time

And don’t worry – I’ve got your nose