Ernest Nicolet, 1906-2009

Ernest Henri Nicolet, resident of Falher, Alberta passed away on February 13, 2009 at the Sacred Heart Hospital in McLennan at the age of 102. Ernest was born on November 12, 1906 in the Village of Cottens, County of Fribourg in Switzerland. He immigrated to Canada on April 18, 1928 and arrived in Falher on June 30, 1940. Here he started an automotive service garage with his partner and lifetime friend, Bill Bachand. In 1951, he purchased a shop with Camil Moulun where they set up a new electrical business serving the Smoky River region. From 1953 to 1973 he operated his own business as an automotive electrician operating under the name of “ Nicolet Electric’’. Ernest also served the community as projectionist in all the theatres in Falher from 1943 to 1988. After his retirement, he became very active in many community organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, Falher Lions Club, Smoky River Fish & Game Association, Falher Chamber of Commerce and the Golden Age Club. Ernest always enjoyed fishing, family picnics and gardening. He also travelled to may places in Canada with his children and abroad with family and friends. In his later years he read his favourite magazines (Readers Digest and National Geographic) and loved his jigsaw puzzles and crosswords up to the age of 100. Ernest was predeceased by his wife, Jeanne in 1970; his son, Marcel in 1973 and grandson Duane Finlay in 1998. He is survived by his sons: Gilbert (Edith), Rene (Judy) of Ardrossan, Jean (Elaine), Gerard (Eveline), Real (Lise) of Surrey, BC and his daughters: Denise (Neil) Finlay of Bowsman, Manitoba, Louise (Ernest) Goudreau of Beaumont, and Nicole (Lucien) Turcotte. Funeral services for the late Ernest Nicolet where held at the Ste. Anne Church in Falher on February 17, 2009 with Reverend Father Charles Lavoie officiating. Music was provided by Ginette Aubin, Marc Turcotte, Lise Turcotte and Jade Aubin. Pallbearers were Andre Nicolet, Corey Bodnarek, Vince Goudreau, Wade Nicolet, Jean Turcotte and Daniel Nicolet. Cross bearer was Norman Nicolet. Flag bearers were Real Goudreau and Paul Nicolet. Internment followed at the Ste. Anne Cemetery in Falher. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Chapel of Memories in Peace River.