Major General Ernest Basil Creber, CD, CMM, passed peacefully away at home, surrounded by his loving family. Survived by Tina, his best friend, the love of his life and wife of 72 years, his children Michael (Monique), Catherine (Ernie Wong), Christopher, grandchildren Jeff Wong (Haley), Andrew Franklin, Doug Wong, Grace Rei (Andrew), Michelle Creber and great-grandchildren, Sawyer Wong and Rayla Rei.
Second only to his love of family, Ernie took enormous pleasure and pride in his career as a member of the Military in service to Canada, especially as a member of the RCEME Corps.
Ernie was born in Vancouver and graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in electrical engineering and married Tina in 1951. He joined the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME) and began a busy military career; a life of service and dedication he shared with his wife and family.
He was posted frequently in the early years in various staff and field assignments in Canada including intensive studies in the latest technologies: RADAR in Kingston, Guided Weapons in Huntsville Alabama, and Fire Control systems at the Military College of Science in Shrivenham UK. His career also included 2 years at Staff College in Kingston and a year as commander of the UN Workshop at Camp Rafah in 1966, where he had to close the camp just before the Seven Days war. Returning home, he attended National Defense College in 1969 before a posting to Mobile Command in St. Hubert. After an intense course in French, Ernie was promoted to Brigadier General and assumed the position of Director General Land Engineering and Maintenance at NDHQ. In 1979 he was promoted to Major General and assumed the position of the Associate Assistant Deputy Minister of Defense (Materiel).
Throughout his career, his Corps remained extremely important to him; he was dedicated to ensure that RCEME officers had the technical knowledge to lead and provide strategic direction and he worked to ensure that RCEME remained a separate entity with the Army.
In 1982 he was awarded the Officer of Order of Honour, PEO. In the same year, Ernie received the Commander of Military Merit for outstanding service to his country and retired from the Armed Forces.
He immediately went to work for Bristol Aerospace and was the founding president of the Canadian office of SAIC in 1986 before moving to Intercon Consulting Inc. in 1996. Retirement included positions on the Board of the Royal Ottawa Golf Club and as President of the Rideau Club.
Ernie lived a life exemplified by honesty, hard work, gentle humour and love of family. Tina and Ernie shared a life of happiness. Leisure time was spent fixing and building things, including a boat (which featured in many family outings), cross country skiing, swimming, Scuba diving and, his favourite, looking after the family cars. Golf became a great passion in retirement and he and Tina spent many wonderful years golfing and travelling. He always enjoyed classical music, especially cello pieces with Sunday family dinners including a rotation of favourite records on the phonograph. The RCEME Corps remained close to his heart and the new flag, presented to him at the 75th Anniversary of the Corps flew proudly at his home.
He was much admired by his many friends and associates and adored by his family. Ernie will be greatly missed.
Much appreciation is owed to the Palliative Care Teams at Montfort Hospital and the Home and Community Care services and all the caregivers who looked after him so well.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ernie’s name to the RCEME Foundation (https://rcemefoundation.org/donations) or the UN Ukraine Emergency Relief Fund (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/unhcr/campaign/ukraine-emergency) or to the Order of St. George (https://orderstgeorge.ca/programs)
The family will receive friends at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa), on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of Funeral Service at 2 pm. in Beechwood’s Sacred space, followed by a Military interment at the National Memorial Cemetery.
Digital Guestbook
Don Chutter
Hugh Dale-Harris
My sincere sympathy to Tina and the Creber family on this sad occasion. Ernie was a real that leader and very special person. I remember our book club evenings at the Rideau Club where he was always at the ready to ensure the proper functioning of the sound system or rectify any other problems that arose. Also his support of Tina with her superb knowledge of the subject matter under review. He will be sorely missed. Hugh Dale-Harris
Peter Cameron and Lynn
Our deepest condolences to Tina and the family at this sad time.
Col (Ret'd) Paul Fuller
My sincere condolences to the entire family, wish you courage in this life event. His love for the RCEME Corps was unwavering. It was always a pleasure to see him at the annual Officers' Fund Mess Dinner. Arte et Marte
Matthew Larkin
Wishing the very best to Mrs Creber and the whole family. Ernie was a great guy, and a wonderful supporter of the music at Christ Church Cathedral. May he rest in peace .
BGen(ret'd) Bill Brewer
Barbara and myself send our sincerest condolences to Tina and family. Ernie was an incredible professional, leader, mentor and above all else a true gentleman. He will be missed not only by the RCEME Corps Community, but also the many Canadians who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him. Arte et Marte
BGen(Retired)Roland Doucet
Above all Ernie was a kind and generous person and a tremendous asset to the Corps.
BGen Roland Doucet(Ret’d)
Above all Ernie was a kind and generous person and a great asset to the Corps. Monique’s and my condolences to Tina and the family.
LCol(retd) Pat Read
My career as a then LORE officer started with General Ernie as guest of honour at my graduation ... and I was privileged to connect with him frequently over the next 50 years. Ever a gentleman and an engineer... and with a true dedication to the RCEME Corps and its members. My deepest sympathies.
Ross Allan
General Creber impressed my father when they worked together in Ottawa; I joined RCEME, in part, because of the high regard my father had for Ernie and others of the RCEME Corps. Ernie made the Corps a better place both while he served and in retirement.
Dear Tina:
Margaret joins me in extending our most sincere condolences to you and your family. I’ve taken the liberty of forwarding his obitury to the editor of Trek magazine (UBC). Ernie graduated after me but certainly packed a lot of valuable public service into his life!