Ernest "Ernie" BADDUIK

Ernest (Ernie) Badduik was born in Quill Lake, Saskatchewan to William and Helen (née Rolick) Badduik. He was the second of three children raised on the family farm in Quill Lake, SK. At the age of 15, Ernie left to cut wood in Ontario, then went on to work on the railroad with his brother.

In 1960, he met Norma Jean Bowron of Sovereign, SK and the two married on December 28th of the same year. They started their family in Saskatoon and area, where Brenda, Terry and Valerie were born. In 1964, they moved to Langham, and had three more children: Kelvin, David and Candis. It was here that Ernie found opportunity working in road construction operating heavy machinery and became particularly accomplished with the Euclid and the Caterpillar. Ernie was most proud of his work on the building of the Sunningdale and Bordon bridges. Ernie had to work away from his family during the week but came home each weekend.

In 1977, Ernie and Jean and their “six pack” moved to the Bowron family farm near Sovereign, SK. The first few years in Sovereign, Ernie was still having to leave his family and the farm during the week. He came home weekends and had time off for seeding and harvest. In the 1980’s, Ernie began employment with the local RMs which allowed him to be at home full time. While working for the RM of Rosetown, he built up the road leading to his farm so high and wide, it was cheekily dubbed “Ernie’s Highway”.  Ernie finished out his career with the RM of Milden.

Ernie and Jean’s farm was one of the only mixed farms in the area. Ernie loved animals; as well as keeping cows, poultry and pigs, he would frequently bring home some unusual purchases from the Saskatoon Auction Mart such as goats, bunnies and rather exotic breeds of chickens - because he thought they were cute! Ernie most enjoyed being out in the field and loved to have tailgate suppers in the field with his family.

Ernie was best known for his obstinance, his second most prominent trait, however, was his playfulness. He loved a good card game, board game or any outdoor game like cornhole, baseball or his strange version of cricket (and he was known to cheat outrageously when playing with family). He loved being social and enjoyed coffee with friends and strangers alike on the daily. Ernie embraced his Ukrainian heritage, especially the social aspects like the traditional foods, drink and entertainment. He imparted that love onto his family, who fondly remember gathering at Ukrainian Christmas and throughout the year for food, games and visiting.

In 2010, Ernie and Jean purchased a home in Rosetown but continued to work on the farm and live there in the summer months. After Jean’s passing in 2013, Ernie sold the Rosetown house and moved into Rose Villa where he was very well taken care of and continued to enjoy coffee and games with the other residents.

Ernest was predeceased by his wife Jean, his daughter Brenda, his son Terry, sister and brother-in-law Jeannette and Walter Weippert, parents William and Helen (née Rolick) Badduik, sister and brother-in-law Ruth (née Bowron) and Alec Dietz, brother-in-law Neil Bowron, father and mother-in-law Harvey and Ada (née Arrand) Bowron.

He will be tenderly remembered by his children - Valerie (Murray) Wood, Kelvin (Leanne) Badduik, Dave (Susanne) Badduik and Candis Kane; son-in-law Larry Linklater; his grandchildren Adam (Aubrie), Megan (Alex), Baili, Brendan (Lyndsay), Sarah (James), Janna, Max, Ted, Sydney, Zac, Mason, Cassidy, Logan and Aidan; great-grandchildren Bekah, Lexah, Noah and Linden; brother Mike (Rose) Badduke; sisters-in-law Lynne and Bonnie as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.

Due to the current pandemic, no services will be held. His children and families will share a private vigil.

To commemorate Ernie’s life, please direct payment to Ernie’s children in the form of perogies (homemade only). Just playing. In lieu of flowers, Ernie would be honoured if you would buy a coffee for your dad, your neighbour, your friend, or someone you don’t even know. Donations in memory of Ernie may be directed to Sovereign Lions Club, Box 2219, Rosetown, SK, S0L 2V0.