Obituary of Ernest Fuhr

Obituary Ernie Fuhr was born in Vernon BC on Oct 14, 1937 to Leo and Grace Fuhr. Ernie was the eldest of his two siblings Joyce and Brian. From a very early age it was bees that really captured Ernie's interest. A third generation beekeeper, he started with a few hives when he was twelve and by the age of eighteen, he was the charter president of the first 4H Bee Club in Canada. Ernie worked for Park Apiaries from 1957 to 1960 in Dawson Creek and California. However, having a strong desire to be his own boss; Ernie moved to Fort St. John in 1960 and started North Peace Apiaries with 300 colonies. Ernie met Rose on a blind date in 1961 and they were married in 1962. It's been said that the first year of their marriage they lived entirely off the cash and gifts from their large traditional Ukrainian wedding. Ernie supplemented their income by hauling explosives during construction of W.A.C. Bennett dam in 1963 and 1964. Gary was born in 1964, followed by Lynn in 1966 and Wayne in 1967. With three very active children, their family was complete. It was also in 1967 when they purchased property along the Alaska Highway. This is where they would call home. The warehouse was constructed that summer and honey production continued in earnest. In 1971 honey prices doubled enabling Ernie to expand the business accordingly and finally be debt-free. The showroom was added to the warehouse in1974 followed by the new storage building in 1976. Along with beekeeping Ernie was an active member in many associations including the Fort St. John District Chamber of Commerce, Peace River Beekeepers Association and the BC Honey Producer's Association; where Ernie held various positions on the board. These only being a few organizations Ernie was a part of, makes one wonder how he got any beekeeping done in his spare time. Ernie was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed many outdoor activities including river boating and hunting. Ernie loved to fly and had a strong passion for the open skies. We will all remember trips with him in a truck, where he would gaze about the countryside, people and the landscape; pretty much everything but the road. Ernie was predeceased by his infant son in 1963, sister Joyce in 1967, father Leo in 1985, and mother Grace in 2004. He is survived by his wife Rose, brother Brian (Kathleen), children Gary (Victoria), Lynn (Eric), Wayne (Nicole) and seven grandchildren, Jordan, Coel, Rhys, Faith, Ry, Élan and Leo.Ernie saw strengths in people that others could not see and for that we are grateful. He was a leader and a teacher and has helped many people throughout the years. To our Husband, Father, Brother and Friend, we thank you for the many memories we've shared. You will forever be the beekeeper in our hearts. Services