Ernie had a heart attack in 2013. He enjoyed another seven years of life thanks to the wonderful skill of surgeon Mr Mark Jones and his cardiac team at RVH who performed a coronary artery (triple) bypass graft. Ernie was therefore able to continue singing in Dromore and District Male Voice Choir and to play accordion in Jinglers Bridge Musical Group  up until early 2020 when he celebrated his 91st birthday.  He particularly enjoyed four holidays to Italy with family in recent years and regular trips to Scarva and Belfast to hear outdoor concerts. He passed away on 31 May 2020. His maxim was “It’s better wearing out than rusting out”. He was one of life’s true gentlemen. He possessed an ageless spirit, had an infectious enthusiasm for music and a great sense of humour. Ernie was much loved by his family and friends. Life will never be the same without him but precious memories of him will live on as he enriched the lives of those who knew him.