Ernest Barthe

Ernest Barthe

Ernest Barthe, age 78, passed away July 19th, 2023, at the Campbellton Regional Hospital. Ernest was born January 5th, 1945, to Benoit and Regina (Doucet) Barthe in Bathurst, NB and lived his entire life in Dalhousie.

Ernest is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda (nee Senechal), daughter Lisa (Duane Cole) of Airdrie, Alberta son Andrew (Nadia Pinet) of Trudel, NB and grandchildren Alexandra, Kaitlyn, Sébastien, Eric, and Maria. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Helen Roy, and grandsons Connor and Noah.

Ernie’s joined the Dalhousie Fire Department in 1969. He proudly served the Department with thirty-one years of service. He was also involved in various departmental roles such as Secretary and Training Officer. He was also Fire Chief from 1981 to 1983. He then returned as a driver with the rank of Captain. Ernie put his heart and soul into firefighting. His career ended in 1999 due to medical reasons.

Ernest was an avid Amateur Radio Operator which enabled him to speak to people all over the world. His call sign is VE9YN. His interest in radios began as a teenager when he started building his own radios. He made many good and close friends which he kept until his death. He was also a CB radio enthusiast. Sparky was the call sign he appropriately chose.

Hunting and spending time in the woods was also a passion of his. With the help of his friends, he was able to continue after he became ill. He would spend much time preparing for hunting season.

Ernest also loved to go for drives. Anytime he would go somewhere he would say “let’s take the long way home.”  Visiting new and old places always brought him joy.

Ernest went by several names from those who loved and knew him:  Ernie, Dad, Pa, Grandpa, Archie, and Boo. He will always be remembered for his dry humor (which he passed down to his kids), kindness, love of animals, willingness to help anyone and his general love of life. He also had an uncanny ability to own multiples of the same item. His motto was “if one is good, then 6 must be better”.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to Dr. Louis Bujold, Restigouche Extra Mural, his brother-in-law Earl Senechal, neighbors Raymond and Hilda Chiasson, and the ICU staff at the Campbellton Regional Hospital for their kindness extended to Ernie during his illness. For those who visited Ernie at the house and hospital, the family wanted to let you know that your visits brought great comfort to him.

He will be missed by his family and all those who knew him.

Funeral services will be held at Saint John Bosco Church in Dalhousie, NB on Friday August 18, 2023, at 11:00 am. There will be no visitation. Funeral arrangements are in the care of MacMillan’s Funeral Home, Black Point.

Donations in Ernie’s name to the Restigouche County SPCA would be appreciated by the family.