Ervin Ralph Tingstad

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved Husband, Dad, Poppa and Great Poppa. Ervin Ralph Tingstad passed away peacefully on March 1st 2021, with his family by his side.

Ervin was born on April 7, 1940 in Valleyview, AB. He was the 9th child of 10 to Elmer & Sannah Tingstad. He met the love of his life and his forever best friend Marilyn nee Hutchinson in Cranbrook BC. They married on October 8th, 1960. In Cranbrook, they started their family with births of Daryel and then Cheryl. Ervin worked to obtain his Fixed Wing Pilot’s licence in pursuit of his dream/passion to fly helicopter. Ervin then moved his family to Victoria to obtain his Helicopter licence. He started his helicopter career with Vancouver Island Helicopters. In the late 60’s Ervin accepted a base manager position in Prince Rupert BC. They moved to Prince Rupert with a two year intention and stayed for over 25 years. Not long after moving Prince Rupert they welcomed their 3rd child, Marty. After a long standing career with VIH, Ervin ventured out on his own as a Heli-Logging Contractor. In 1994 Ervin and Marilyn moved to the Okanagan, settling in Westbank, BC.

Ervin loved life, loved to travel and he loved being outdoors. Ervin and Marilyn were snowbirds January thru March. They did annual hunting and fishing trips. All of these adventures made precious memories because they always included buddies/family/friends.

Above all else Ervin loved his family. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marilyn. His sons, Daryel (Julie Tuton) and Marty (Rebecca Macpherson), and his daughter Cheryl. He was a proud Poppa and adored his granddaughters, Kristy (Mark) Armstrong, Carli, Kyla, Jenna and Abby. Was great Poppa to Halle and Drew.

Ervin is also survived by his sisters, Gladys (Bud) Wishart, Bernice Foth, Lorraine Tingstad and his sister-in-laws Bev Tingstad & Verna Tingstad. He will be remembered fondly by many nieces and nephews (too many to list).

Ervin was predeceased by his parents Elmer and Sannah Tingstad, his inlaws Bill and Edna Hutchinson, his brothers Raymond, Clarence (Gladys), Ernie, Lorne (Doreen) and Alex (Audrey) and his sister Irene (Spud) Hammond.

The family would like to express an extra special “Thank You” to the staff at Village of Smith Care for the loving care Ervin received thru his palliative journey, to his GP Dr. Brian Mackay, Sheldon & Jean Tingstad, and Brad & Susan, Mia and Abby Tingstad.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date.