Obituary of Ernest Steadman

Ernest (Ernie) Francis Steadman was born October 3, 1922 at Battle Bend, Alberta to Minnie and Harry Steadman. Ernie passed away peacefully May 5, 2015 at Hardisty Hospital at the age of 92 years. The second son of five children, Ernie lived the vast majority of his life in Battle Bend. After finishing school at Battle Bend, Ernie farmed and worked at various jobs in northern Alberta and Edmonton to make money for the family. In 1942, Ernie joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was on leave until he reported for duty on April 14th 1943 to be trained as a wireless operator. As a member of #429 Squadron, he flew missions in the Lancaster Bomber until July 1945. He returned to Battle Bend in August of that year. Ernie understood that hard work and self-motivation were required to adjust back to civilian life. Jobs and supplies were scarce, but by fall 1945, Ernie, along with his older brother Henry, started "Steadman Brothers Trucking". Ernie married Helen McCracken July 12, 1950 and purchased their farm in the Battle Bend District. To this marriage, five children were born. Gary (Wendy), Lynn (Janet), Kathleen, Karen (Edward), and Allan (Jodi). Fourteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren were added to the family: Danton (Amanda) and great-grandchildren Seth, Sadie & Hartley, Laura (Ryan), Andrew (Carla and great-grandchild Ella), Terry (Brad), Braden (Michelle and great-grandchild Layton), Tim, Bradley, Kensey, Lawrence (2002), Kevin, Regan, Eric, Jennalee and Linden. Each and every addition made Ernie prouder of his family. Ernie accomplished many things during his long life. He farmed, built houses and barns, built and flew airplanes, and was instrumental in getting power and gas into the community. He always viewed the world with a political eye, which added substance to many conversations. In 2009, Ernie and Helen moved from Battle Bend to Sedgewick and continued to enjoy many large family events. When Helen passed away in March 2013, Ernie moved to the extended care wing of the Hardisty Hospital where he received compassionate care right up to his last breath. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Hardisty Hospital Auxiliary, Box 269, Hardisty AB T0B 1V0.