Ernest Emil Poloway
With cherished memories for a life well lived and with heavy hearts, the family of Ernest Emil Poloway of Vimy, AB is saddened to announce the passing of their beloved husband, father, son and brother, on Friday, December 27, 2024, at home surrounded by his family at the age of 82 years.
Ernest Emil Poloway was born to Mary and Walter Poloway on January 4, 1942, in Myrnam, AB. After giving birth, Ernest and his mother returned to the family farm which was located 2 miles South and 3 ¼ miles East of Vimy, AB. There he learned how to crawl, walk, and finally run behind a 2-bottom plow pulled by 5 horses and driven by his grandfather.
In 1948, the farm was sold, and a bigger farm, located 2 miles South and 4 miles West of Vimy, was purchased, which Ernest called home for 76 years.
In November of 1958, Ernest’s father was diagnosed with cancer, which meant that Ernest had to quit school to help take care of the family farm. Then on May 6, 1959, Ernest’s father passed away, and now taking care of the farm became a full-time job. For the first 6-8 years on the farm, it was like going to school; watch, look and learn.
Ernest was already running the family farm when he met Pauline Kozdrowski in April of 1961. They got married in October of 1963 and in September of 1964, they were graced with the presence of their lovely daughter, Debora Lynn Poloway.
In 1969, Ernest and Pauline started a “farrow to finish” hog farm which they ran for just over 30 years. They continued to run a grain and hog operation, and in September of 1974, they were blessed with a son, Darcy Lee Poloway.
In the summer of 2000, Ernest and Pauline decided to become full-time grain farmers, and they farmed right up until their retirement at the end of 2018.
Ernest loved sports. He curled for over 13 years, from 1970 – 1983. In the 80’s and 90’s, you could find him playing slow-pitch softball with his daughter, son in law, and numerous friends.
Ernest’s passion for the horses and the racetrack was undeniable. He would spend hours looking at the racing programs, analyzing the races and then take Debbie or Darcy to the track at least once a week.
One of Ernest’s favorite sports was football, CFL, and especially the NFL. For years Ernest had season tickets to the Edmonton Eskimos Football Club, taking his family and sharing the love of the game with everyone he met. The San Francisco 49er’s was his NFL team. He followed them closely and if they were playing on TV, he was watching and cheering them on.
Later in life, Ernest started to watch a lot of baseball, and more specifically the Toronto Blue Jays. On one of our family vacations, he had the opportunity of taking in a Blue Jays game in Toronto with his daughter, Debbie and son in law, Vince. One memory he will always cherish.
Ernest had a full life, he was blessed to have a wife (Pauline) and 2 children (Debbie and Darcy) that loved him unconditionally, and an extended family that would do anything for him. He was lucky enough to be able to travel with family and spend quality time with them in his retirement.
Ernest will be forever loved and remembered by his wife of 63 years; Pauline Poloway of Vimy, AB; daughter: Debbie (Vince) Spila of Bonnyville, AB; son: Darcy Poloway and his children, Erica and Braden of Calgary, AB; sisters: Annette (Fred) Zilinski of Edmonton, AB; & Alma (Jerry) Gill of Edmonton, AB., as well as numerous other relatives and friends.
Ernest was predeceased by his mother and father: Mary and Walter Poloway, and his mother in-law & father in-law: Frank and Mary Kozdrowski.
Ernest had a magnetic energy that drew people to him, and everyone who knew him loved him. He will be missed by so many whose hearts he has touched.
Our family would like to thank Shannon O’Neail (RN) from Westlock Home Care for her care and support of our dad.
As per Ernest’s wishes, cremation will be taking place, and there will be no formal service.
Condolences may be shared at www.westlockfuneralhome.com
Memorial tributes in memory of Ernest Emil Poloway may be sent to the charity of your choice. Rest Easy Ernest, until we meet again.
Westlock Funeral Home & Crematorium
780-349-3474
