
Ernie Kyliuk

ERNEST “ERNIE” EDWARD KYLIUK
November 11, 1938 - December 10, 2024
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Ernie Kyliuk at the age of 86.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 53 years, Carol; and their son, Ryan. Ernie is also survived by his siblings: Don (Erna), Gloria (Stephen), Joyce, Gladys (Kerry), Judy (Jerry), Ken (Karen); sister-in-law Donna; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Ernie was predeceased by his brother Norman; and his parents, William and Nettie.
Born on November 11, 1938, in Winnipeg, Ernie spent his formative years growing up in the city’s West End. He attended John M. King Elementary, General Wolfe Junior High, and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate, where his passion for football began. Ernie was a key player on the 1955 and 1956 High School Championship teams at Daniel Mac, and, alongside his brother Donnie, played junior football with the Weston Wildcats. In 1960, his football talent earned him tryouts with both the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He later won a Canadian Senior Football Championship with the St. James Rams, a team that would later be inducted into both the Manitoba Football Hall of Fame and the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. The Daniel Mac team was also inducted into the Manitoba Football Hall of Fame.
Near the end of his football career, Ernie practiced Martial Arts as well. It would come in handy since one of his early employment stints would be as a bouncer at the Westminster Hotel.
In the mid-1960s Ernie began his life long career in sales, starting with Rothmans Tobacco, joking that he was "a cigarette salesman who didn’t smoke." He continued in the sales field with NL Products, CKRC Radio, Perfect Uniform, various optical companies and later, running his own distributorship - Jewel Promotions until his retirement.
Ernie married the love of his life, Carol, in August of 1971. To save for a down payment on a house, the couple spent their first year of marriage living with Carol's parents before settling in their current home in St. Vital. Ernie took on the role of the family cook and was always there to lend a hand with any of Carol’s home renovation ideas. In 1977, they became parents when their son, Ryan, was born. Ernie was a proud papa.
A lifelong animal lover, Ernie and Carol enjoyed the company of five dogs over the years while living in St. Vital, and Ernie was known to spoil each of them.
He also cherished the friendships he formed with his neighbours, becoming known as the "Mayor of Golden Willow Crescent," where many a famous block party was held.
Golf was one of Ernie’s great passions. He loved both playing the game, often with Carol or his friends, and watching it on television. At various times, he had been a member of both the Transcona Golf Club and the Canoe Club, and a highlight of his year was competing in the annual Kyliuk Brothers Golf Championship with Donnie, Norm, and Kenny. His love for golf extended beyond the course, as he could often be found practicing in the nearby park, sending plastic golf balls flying into his neighbours’ yards, who would jokingly return them with a “Found another one!”
Ernie was also an avid bowler, often spending time at Empress Lanes, and enjoyed shooting pool at Olympic Billiards. He always kept up with current events and enjoyed sharing his thoughts with others.
Ernie spent many weekends at Grand Beach and at the cottage at Royal Lake. His father-in-law affectionately called him "The Black Cloud" because, no matter how hard they tried, they never seemed to catch any fish with Ernie in the boat.
Ernie had a great love for music, particularly Julio Iglesias, and in his earlier years, he enjoyed the sounds of Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. Back in the day, Ernie and Carol enjoyed dancing at the Town & Country, where they would groove to the music of their favourite band "The Mob." More recently, they continued their love of dancing with the Forever Young Club.
Ernie’s legacy is one of humour, and a light hearted caring nature. He was the original prankster whether it was keeping scammers on the phone line to give them a taste of their own medicine or just making sure everyone was laughing. He was never serious, always had a joke to share, and always made light of any situation. His family and friends will always remember him for his playful spirit, and his ability to make everyone feel at home.
He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of Ernie’s life will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 603 Wellington Crescent @ Academy Road (Unitarian Facility).
Ernie’s family kindly request his relatives and friends take a few moments to honour his memory by sharing memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.
In lieu of flowers, contributions made in Ernie’s memory to the Winnipeg Humane Society would be sincerely appreciated by the family.
Rest in peace, Ernie.
You will forever be
loved and remembered.
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Cremation & Life Celebrations
530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg
204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com
Memories, Stories and Condolences
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Andrew Hretzay
January 5, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Ernie was one of the Kyliuk boys that was involved in Sports,football to be exact
Was very sad to hear of the sudden passing of our dear cousin of Ernie
What a way to grow up to have Ernie,Donnie,and Norman all three cousins , champions in football .
Walking into my Auntie Netties's home on Sherbrooke was to step into the sacred ground of sports that the boys lived and breathe.
You had to behave and watch what you said amount them because they were the real deal.
Because of this inspiration of being around these champions it was easy to earn a school letter in just Grade Ten.
I remember my Auntie Nettie had a joke book and said this would help in Sales
Ernie was a natural. Quick wit and who could come up,"There's Goodluck,there's Bad luck,and Kyliuk!"
Ernie was a natural. Quick wit and who could come up,"There's Goodluck,there's Bad luck,and Kyliuk.".
Two more generations of Kyliuks would go on to excellent in Sports and Football .
Truly a Sports Dynasty!
Ernie will be missed and hope his son Doctor Ryan MD will prescribed more love to the spirit of Ernie.
Ernie, I always looked up to you and was very lucky to grow up having you as a favorite cousin.

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Eugene Hretzay
December 22, 2024 at 3:43 PM
My sincere condolences to Carol and Ryan and to the rest of his brothers and sisters. I was so proud of Ernie running back punts for the Saskatchewan Roughriders watching on our black and white TV set with Jack Wells the well known sportscaster at the time calling the game: "There goes Ernie Kiliak (sic) again!" Cousin Eugene Toronto

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