September 26, 1936 - December 27, 2022

In Loving Memory ~

Ernie Wiens, longtime resident of Kelowna, died at home on December 27, 2022.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Helena Wiens, and his four older siblings, John, Justina, Dave and June.

He is survived by his wife Deanna (n茅e Wileman), his daughter, Kelly (Lawrence) and his grandson, Gordon.

Ernie was born on September 26, 1936, in Vermillion, Alberta. He lived most of his life in Kelowna and attended Central Elementary and Kelowna High School, graduating in 1954.

Growing up included many orchard jobs, swimming at the City Park Aquatic Centre (where he and others cheered when the end of WWII was announced) and racing to catch the last ferry across the lake. (His dad went on to help build the first Okanagan bridge.)

Basketball was a big part of his teenage years as were his high school friends. He loved a good party, and his last social event was his 68th Kelowna High School reunion in August 2022.

Ernie had an entrepreneurial spirit. He established a Triumph car dealership in Kelowna and later, with his brother Dave, a heavy machinery company (XL Equipment) in Richmond, BC. He attended UBC to train as a teacher and went on to become a shop teacher at Kelowna High School, Hope Secondary School, and for the first 4 years at the (then) new KLO Jr. High School. After leaving teaching, he worked as a Realtor with Royal Trust before he and Deanna formed their own company, Traditional Realty.

Over the years, he and Deanna belonged to the British Car Club, the Kelowna Yacht Club, the Prospector's Club, and the Kelowna Golf Club. They were avid skiers, and Big White was their second home where they had season passes from its opening year until 2021.

After retirement, Ernie and Dea also spent time travelling and visiting their family and many friends from school and work.

Ernie's last party for family and friends will be held at the Harvest Golf Club on Thursday, August 22 beginning at 2:00 pm.