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Dr, Ernst 'Ernie' Von Schilling

September 10, 2021

B3D3P6F8-20210916095834
September 3, 1945 - September 10, 2021
It is with heavy hearts that the von Schilling family announces the passing of Dr. Ernie von Schilling.
He left for new hunting grounds on September 10th, 2021 surrounded by friends, family and his dear wife, Delia. Ernie was a beloved husband, father, brother and Opa.
Ernie was born September 3rd, 1945 in Cumberland, BC. The youngest of six, he spent his whole life in the Comox Valley, returning in 1985 to the family farm in Merville, where he lived till his passing.
Ever an athlete, his youth specialties were basketball and running. His Tsolum High School 'Tsolum Saints' basketball team, under the coaching of his eldest brother Jurgen, won many titles in 1961-62.
They ended the year with a record of 29 wins, two losses and one tie, and placed third in the Senior Boys' Provincial Tournament at U.B.C.
In his twelfth year at Courtenay High School, he met up with and was coached by his favourite teacher Bill Edwards. Bill encouraged Ernie to run track. With his coaching, Ernie earned the title of "Fastest runner of the 880 on the North Island for 2 years."
After graduating from high school, Ernie worked for a year logging on the North Island to save money for Chiropractic College. He attended CMCC, the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto, Ontario, and received his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree (DC) in 1971. Creating some new lifelong friends and colleagues, Ernie established his practice in Courtenay, while his best friend Dr. Larry Reynolds setup in Campbell River.
Ernie recently celebrated his 50th year as a Chiropractor. So many patients have benefited from his healing hands and were inspired to be the best they can be.
Ernie embarked upon what he called his "Endless quest for knowledge". This goal to keep learning to improve his skills took him to many Chiropractic conferences and seminars around the world. Here he would learn new techniques and knowledge to the benefit of his patients, colleagues, friends and family. As a mentor and colleague, he spent many enjoyable hours discussing what he had learned, always desiring to pass on interesting bits of knowledge and technique for the benefit of others.
Ernie joined the Courtenay Rotary Club in 1972, where he also became President. He later joined the Comox Rotary Club. In Rotary, Ernie was always involved in both community and international service.
Ernie knew and believed that hands on community service is vitally important. He supported his fellow Rotarians passionately to complete several much-needed projects in the Comox Valley. After attending his first Rotary International Convention in 1984 he was inspired by a vision. He wanted to support the Rotary International Foundation in projects that would benefit mankind.
Such projects included fresh water, education, as well as mother and child healthcare. Ernie attended many more international conventions to continue this quest to make a difference.
Growing up in rural Merville, Ernie loved the outdoors. His favourite fishing partner was his wife Delia with whom there was a regular competition to see who could catch and release the most fish. Fly, ocean or freshwater fishing - it did not matter. Ernie loved to be with friends or family fishing. He enjoyed the times he had teaching his children and grandchildren to fish, where there was always another fish story to tell! As the grandchildren became older, hunting adventures became a new place to share his knowledge and skills.
The truck and camper took Delia, Ernie and family to many interesting places. Attending weddings of his cousins in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, fishing expeditions, and an exploration of the Gold Rush Route to Barkerville with grandchildren to name just a few.
Ernie was an avid gardener and loved the farm he grew up on. Enjoying dahlias and other flowering trees/shrubs, his passion were his rhododendrons. He transformed his favourite orchard on the family farm into an oasis. Towering rhododendrons bloom amongst the apple, pear, cherry and nut trees. This place of peace will continue to bless many for generations to come.
His fishing and hunting friends will miss his expertise and comradery. Colleagues in practice will remember his Chiropractic mentorship. He gave his loving heart openly to all. His love will be sadly missed.
Ernie is survived by Delia, his beloved wife of 35 years, his daughters Annaluise von Schilling Shields (John Shields), Sky Hellyar (Jason Hobbs) and step-son Dr. Colin Wilson. He adored his eight grandchildren, Ali-Mae, Shay, Ellah, Kayleb, Maya, Nathanual, Phoenix and Ariauna.
He will be missed by his surviving siblings Heini (Joan), Siegfried aka "Baldy" (Marilyn), Margaret (Erhard) and Marie - as well as many nieces, nephews, and great nieces/nephew. Ernie is predeceased by his older brother Jurgen, his Ma, Gerda and Pa, Friedrich "Fritz".
Ernie's favourite saying was from Dr. B.J. Palmer. "You never know how far reaching something you think, say or do today, will affect the lives of millions tomorrow."
Ernie certainly affected the lives of all those who were blessed to meet, know, and love him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable donations be made to the Rotary International Foundation. You may call with a credit card to donate at 1-866-976-8279.


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