Obituary of Ernie Pappas

PAPPAS, Ernie It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ernie Pappas on Friday, July 17th at the age of 70 years. However, the sentiment being felt equally strong is one of pride, awe, joy and the utmost gratitude that we were able to have him brightening our lives as long as we did. It would be an injustice to say that Ernie died from cancer. Ernie LIVED with cancer and did so with courage, optimism, acceptance, and most of all, his unmatched sense of humour. Ernie was born on August 14th, 1938, son of Nick and Helen Pappas, both late of Regina. Ernie was predeceased by his wonderful wife, Aline Pappas (nee Burns) in 1988. He leaves to mourn and celebrate his life, his loving wife, Gloria Decorby-Pappas; his two adoring children, Nick and Myka Pappas Beckers (John Beckers); and his special sister, Angie Geatros (Tim and Judi, Greg and Karen, and Ted). Ernie also leaves to mourn, his honourary siblings in the Burns family, special nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts, Gloria's children (Greg, Michelle and Doug) and countless friends that were very dear to him. After obtaining his Bachelor of Arts/Education degree from the University of Saskatchewan and Ohio State, Ernie started his teaching and guidance counselling career in Regina in 1967 at Central Collegiate where he remained until the school closed in 1985. From 1985-1994, he was the guidance counsellor at F.W. Johnson Collegiate. During his long career as an educator and guidance counsellor, he touched the lives of countless students. In recognition of his contribution to the Regina Public School system, Ernie was thrilled to recently learn that the Guidance Resource Centre at F.W. Johnson Collegiate will officially be named in his honour this fall. Upon his retirement in 1994, Ernie successfully ran for the Regina Public School Board, and remained on the Board for 12 years. Ernie served much of that period as either the Vice Chair or Chair of the Board, and very much enjoyed his rich experience with public life. Ernie was also the proud author of a University Student Survival Guide that sold many copies across Canada. Ernie's greatest pleasure in life was in telling jokes and making people laugh. It seemed that almost every conversation would start with, "I've got a new joke for you". He was also a master story teller and bridge player. He loved traveling and spending time with family and his friends. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed. A celebration of Ernie's life will take place on Wednesday, July 22nd at 7:00 PM at F.W. Johnson Collegiate - 400 Fines Drive. In lieu of flowers, those so wishing can make a donation to the Palliative Care Unit at the Pasqua Hospital (4101 Dewdney Avenue - Regina, SK - S4T 1A5) or the Multiple Sclerosis Society (150 Albert Street - Regina, SK - S4R 2N2). Our family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the loving care that Ernie (and all of us) received from Dr. Moolla and everyone in the Pasqua Hospital's Palliative Care Unit. You are all very special people. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com