Captain Ernie Alfred Alston – 1943 ~ 2022
Father of Captain Dan Alston P346 A-Platoon
Ernie peacefully passed away at the Montreal Neurological Institute with family at his side, on Monday, May 2nd 2022 in his 78th year, joining his wife Carolyn. Husband to Barbara Payson, loving father of Ernest Jr (Karina Tanghe), Christine (Trevor Daniels), and Daniel (Kylie Maudsley). Grandpa to Porter, Berlin, Drew, Sydney, Cédric, and Juliette. Proud stepfather to Brent and Trisha as well as their families. Ernie was born and raised in the rough-and-tumble Beaches of the 40s and 50s. Growing up around the track at Greenwood, he developed a life-long love of horses and horse racing.
As a young man, he realized that the ponies alone just wouldn’t raise a family, so he become a Firefighter with the Toronto Fire Department. He ascended to the rank of Captain and then suddenly after 29 years of decorated service decided to retire. Always considerate he probably figured providing the vacancy was the only way his youngest, Dan would get a job! Never one for regrets the only thing he missed was the Firehall humour and the great firefighters he had worked alongside over the years.
He moved his family to the small town of Sunderland in the early 1970s and loved nothing better than coming home to the country to be with them. The family came first, and he was always running the kids around to hockey games, baseball practices, and many track and field meets where he was coach, colour commentator, and above all the world’s proudest cheerleader!
In retirement and after Carolyn passed, Ernie met Barb – a new life began in the West Island, Montreal. They enjoyed days on the golf course and continued to travel, exploring the world. Thanks to the many healthcare professionals at the Lakeshore General and the Neuro. The care and compassion provided to Ernie and the family were amazing and helped him keep his adorable sense of humour right until the end.
Following his wishes, there will be no elaborate funeral service. Dad always wanted all efforts focused on his birthday events in June. A ‘Celebration of Life’ gathering will be held closer to his birthday to honour the tradition – details to follow.
https://mountroyalcem.permavita.com/site/ErnestAlston.html?s=80
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mira Foundation, a non-profit organization that offers guide dogs and service dogs to people living with visual impairments and physical disabilities. The Mira Foundation has played a very important part in our family’s history. https://www.mira.ca
Our Sincerest Condolences from all our Retiree Groups go out to the Family and Friends.
In Solidarity, Retired Toronto Fire Fighters Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888