Ernest Robert (Ernie) or Spud Pridham, 90 of Lunenburg, passed away peacefully and entered into eternal rest on Friday, June 13, 2014 at the Veteran’s Unit of Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital, Lunenburg.

Born in Montrose, P.E.I. on March 19th. 1924, the eldest son of the late Harry and Christina (Marshall) Pridham.

Ernest served in the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War from 1939-1945, on the HMCS Clay Quad overseas on the HMCS Digby, HMCS Kipawa and Canadian and U.S. and overseas ports.

After the War, he came back to Nova Scotia to take up an Apprentice course to be a Ships Machinist. He then settled in Crouse’s Settlement after marrying Rosella DeLong in March 1945. In 1964, he moved to Lunenburg with a family of four and later, Jocelyn was born.

In 1946-1951, and 1955-1975, he was employed with National Sea, Lunenburg as a Machinist, Engineer and Department Head of Maintenance. Ernest served on many boards and committees in the past, a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 23, Lunenburg, for 64 years and also a member of the Admiral Desmond Piers Naval Association. He was Past President on the Salmon Advisory Committee for the LaHave River Association, a director for the Fur Trappers Association and Past President of the Wild Life Federation.

In 1979, Ernest married Andreen Frail of Caledonia and spent 22 years wintering in Florida, and travelling to Ontario and Western Canada as well as other parts of United States.

He had many interests and activities and owned many businesses. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed the outdoors, salmon fishing, trapping, hunting, and had a great passion for his orchards and for his fruit orchard, selling and giving away his produce. These passions he passed on to his wife, Andreen, who has always been his soul-mate and best friend for 35 years. In later years he took up oil painting, gem cutting, and was a certified locksmith, His other interests included motorcycles, photography, shuffle-board, golfing and woodworking. He volunteered at the Fisheries Exhibition where he tied flies including his own speciality in the 50’s “Student Nurse” named after a single nurse who took care of him in the hospital. He was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lunenburg. His warm smile and helping hands will be missed by many, as well as his many stories.

Ernest is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 35 years, Andreen, children, Carolyn (George) Levy, Hammonds Plains; Marilyn (Donald) Schmeisser, Lunenburg; Jocelyn (Steve) Conrad, Cole Harbour; sons, Frederick (Lauranna), Kingston, ON.; Jonathan, Penetanguishene, ON.; sisters, Helen Burns, Truro; Shirley (Blair) Barbour, P.E.I.; brothers, Alfred, Winnipeg; Herbert (June), Alder (Bessie), both of P.E.I.; eleven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and extended family one special niece, Genna Carey and his little dog, “Spud.” A special thanks to his wonderful care-giver and crib player Tony Frailic.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Rosella in 1977, a child in infancy and a sister, Ina Gulliver.

Friends are invited to share their memories of Ernie during visitation on Wednesday June 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213, Hwy. # 3, Lunenburg, with a Legion service at 6:45 p.m. Funeral Service to celebrate Ernie’s life will be held on Thursday June 19, 2:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Lunenburg, Rev. Willis Ott officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, Lunenburg.

Family floral donations only, memorial donations may be made to the Dr. Arthur H. Patterson Centre, Veteran’s Unit of FMH., Zion Lutheran Church or to a charity of your choice.

www.sweenyfuneralhome.ca