Initiated into Welcome Lodge 10 December 1963 and Exalted into Welcome Chapter 26th March 1968, he was a true Brother in every sense of the word.  A magnificent ritualist, a cornerstone of Welcome Lodge 3779 for over 50 years and with his wife Mary was half of the finest ‘Almoners Team’ we have ever had. 
 
Born in Sheffield and educated at High Storrs Grammar School, a lifelong supporter of Sheffield Wednesday [his Father, also a supporter, moved the family and home to be nearer the Hillsborough ground].  Ernest eventually became a Director of the club and in 1994 he became the President of the Central Football League a position he held until his death.
 
During the war he served in the Merchant Navy.  His first voyage lasted almost 12 months starting in Glasgow he sailed via Malta to North Africa, Sicily, Alexandria and Bombay [via the Suez Canal].  Then Aden and back through the Suez Canal to New York.  In Newark, New Jersey they loaded tanks for the D Day invasion.  His ship finally docked in Barry in Wales. 
He was the proud recipient of
The 1939-45 Star - Atlantic Star - Burma Star - Italy Star and The War Medal 1939-45
 
He left the Merchant Navy in 1949 having met Mary and they married in 1951.  They had a daughter, Angela, who sadly passed away aged 40.  Ernest and Mary spent many happy years helping to bring up their grandchildren Jess and Sam “ 
 
He obtained a Management qualification at Sheffield Polytechnic and in 1950 joined Hadfield’s & Geo. Ibberson - Cutlery manufacturers.  In !955 he moved to Thos. Clarke foundry where he became Managing Director.    
 
On the 10th of December 2013 W Bro Ernest was presented with his 50th Jubilee Certificate in the presence of Mary, Lodge brethren, their families, friends and brethren from many of the Sheffield Lodges. 
 
A Mason through and through, he will be missed by all who knew him.  He lived respected and died regretted.
His family are in our thoughts at this sad time.