Ernest Frederick Holinshead

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ernest “Ernie” Frederick Holinshead on March 8, 2024, at the age of 88. Ernie was born on October 21,1935, to parents Reg and Ethel Holinshead and was raised on the Holinshead Homestead on the east side of Fairy Lake. He often said that he walked uphill both ways to and from a one-room elementary schoolhouse, and later attended high school in town. 

For the majority of his working career, Ernie was self-employed with his own sand and gravel business and then for many years as a Foreman at the Town of Huntsville as a dump truck/snowplow driver (posthumous apologies regarding multiple mailboxes that fell victim to him). He shared a great camaraderie with the team at the Town and when the snowfall was heavy, they often worked extended shifts spanning more than 24 or even 36 hours to keep the roads safe. Ernie retired from the Town in 2000 just months after Wayne Gretzky, whom he idolized, left the NHL.

Ernie’s greatest passion and commitment was always to his Holinshead family. Spanning many decades, he volunteered thousands of hours to Huntsville’s minor lacrosse, junior lacrosse, and minor hockey system.

Every sports season he could be found managing one of his sons’ all-star teams, contributing to the Huntsville Forester sports page and/or driving the infamous Hawk Bus for the road games. He also sat on various executive committees for lacrosse and in the 1980’s was recognized, along with his wife Audrey, for their contribution to minor sports in Huntsville. 

Ernie was also a huge fan, supporting his sons’ and grandchildren’s teams, and often generously shared his views with respect to the referees’ performances. 

Ernie is predeceased by his wife of 42 years Audrey Holinshead.

Ernie is survived by his sister Ruth Kay and his sons Rick Holinshead (Judy), Reg Holinshead (Donna), and Ron Holinshead (Tracy). He is also survived by grandson Todd Holinshead (Ashley), granddaughter Rebecca Zettler (Luke), and grandson Ryan Holinshead. And finally, survived by great-grandsons Jack Holinshead, Nolan Holinshead, Beau Zettler, and great-granddaughter Audrey Holinshead. 

At Ernie’s request, there will not be a service – we simply ask that those who knew him, hold Ernie in your hearts.

Memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by the Huntsville District Minor Lacrosse Association. Donations can be made via e-transfer to hawkshuntsville@gmail.com (password Hawks2024), or by cheque to HDMLA, P.O. Box 5158, Huntsville, Ontario, P1H 2K6.