Obituary for Erv Skrien
As was his wish, Erv passed away peacefully at his beautiful country home in Greensville on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Born in Oslo, Norway, Erv and his family came to Canada in 1955. Survived by his loving wife and life partner of 44 years, Sandy (nee Bennett). Loved brother-in-law to Larry (Patsy) Bennett and Paul (Mary) Bennett, Predeceased by his father, Torleif Skrien and mother, Solveig (nee Aurtunn) and older brother, Terry. Remembered by special cousins Per and Grethe in Norway.
Erv was a special "Uncle" to Scott, Connie (Jeff), Natalie, Tiffany (Dwayne), Ryan (Michelle), Stephanie, Curtis (Christel) and Paige (Ryan). Great Uncle to Mckenna, Chelsey, Matthew, Emily, Wyatt, Saige, Josh, Cayden, Skye, Georgia, Bethany, Gavin, Carter, and Aurora. Erv will also be missed by cousin Russell (Pat), their families and Erv's snowmobiling and 4 wheeling buddies and many former business partners and associates.
Erv spent 50 years in the refractory industry, working worldwide and forging many valuable friendships along the way. As a consultant (sometimes Bricklayer, sometimes Labourer) Erv was the proud owner of Refractory Resources Ltd. along with his very valuable office administrator/secretary (sometimes in her night gown early in the morning). Erv was known all over the world as one of the last pioneers in this very specialized field of refractories. He could see potential and he was often an innovator willing to try new things. He pushed boundaries for his customers to advance a cause or idea or break a record. Erv experienced much satisfaction in his field sometimes by overcoming great challenges in the industry. His foresight to begin his own business; his integrity, hard work, knowledge, relationship building and strong personality created an industry success story like none other throughout Canada, the U.S. and abroad.
Erv and his brother Terry were members of the Toronto Argonaut Rowing Club and were awarded the Canadian Championship (oarsmen) five times.
His love of the outdoors was shared by his wife Sandy, making memories with family and friends, joining him on self-guided hikes all around the world. A highlight was completing the Bruce Trail with family and friends - 900kms over a ten year period. Snowmobiling and 4 wheeling were also a passion he held dear to his heart, meeting so many lifelong buddies. Erv will still be trailing at the end of the pack, keeping an eye on all of you; so please don’t venture off, be safe and figure out the best and right trail to take. (Just one More).
Erv recognized the importance of an education and assisted many with their endeavors. He was an avid reader and enjoyed sharing any new discoveries he found.
His was a life well lived and he will be missed by so many who enjoyed his laughter, jokes, companionship and love.
A special thank you to Russell for his dedication to Erv and Sandy throughout Erv's final days. Your support and presence were such a comfort. Also thank you to our own very special family doctor Scott Nash, his staff,
Dr. N. Amin and Mallory of St. Joe’s and our very special palliative nurse “Mui”.
Visitation at SMITH'S FUNERAL HOME, 1167 Guelph Line (one stop light north of QEW), BURLINGTON (905-632-3333), on Friday, March 22, 2024 from 3 - 5 and 7 - 9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 1p.m. Reception to follow.
If desired, memorial contributions to McMaster Children's Hospital, the Child Life Department (where Sandy has volunteered for over 27 years and will continue to do so), or the Bruce Trail Conservancy would be sincerely appreciated by the family.
Erv was a special "Uncle" to Scott, Connie (Jeff), Natalie, Tiffany (Dwayne), Ryan (Michelle), Stephanie, Curtis (Christel) and Paige (Ryan). Great Uncle to Mckenna, Chelsey, Matthew, Emily, Wyatt, Saige, Josh, Cayden, Skye, Georgia, Bethany, Gavin, Carter, and Aurora. Erv will also be missed by cousin Russell (Pat), their families and Erv's snowmobiling and 4 wheeling buddies and many former business partners and associates.
Erv spent 50 years in the refractory industry, working worldwide and forging many valuable friendships along the way. As a consultant (sometimes Bricklayer, sometimes Labourer) Erv was the proud owner of Refractory Resources Ltd. along with his very valuable office administrator/secretary (sometimes in her night gown early in the morning). Erv was known all over the world as one of the last pioneers in this very specialized field of refractories. He could see potential and he was often an innovator willing to try new things. He pushed boundaries for his customers to advance a cause or idea or break a record. Erv experienced much satisfaction in his field sometimes by overcoming great challenges in the industry. His foresight to begin his own business; his integrity, hard work, knowledge, relationship building and strong personality created an industry success story like none other throughout Canada, the U.S. and abroad.
Erv and his brother Terry were members of the Toronto Argonaut Rowing Club and were awarded the Canadian Championship (oarsmen) five times.
His love of the outdoors was shared by his wife Sandy, making memories with family and friends, joining him on self-guided hikes all around the world. A highlight was completing the Bruce Trail with family and friends - 900kms over a ten year period. Snowmobiling and 4 wheeling were also a passion he held dear to his heart, meeting so many lifelong buddies. Erv will still be trailing at the end of the pack, keeping an eye on all of you; so please don’t venture off, be safe and figure out the best and right trail to take. (Just one More).
Erv recognized the importance of an education and assisted many with their endeavors. He was an avid reader and enjoyed sharing any new discoveries he found.
His was a life well lived and he will be missed by so many who enjoyed his laughter, jokes, companionship and love.
A special thank you to Russell for his dedication to Erv and Sandy throughout Erv's final days. Your support and presence were such a comfort. Also thank you to our own very special family doctor Scott Nash, his staff,
Dr. N. Amin and Mallory of St. Joe’s and our very special palliative nurse “Mui”.
Visitation at SMITH'S FUNERAL HOME, 1167 Guelph Line (one stop light north of QEW), BURLINGTON (905-632-3333), on Friday, March 22, 2024 from 3 - 5 and 7 - 9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 1p.m. Reception to follow.
If desired, memorial contributions to McMaster Children's Hospital, the Child Life Department (where Sandy has volunteered for over 27 years and will continue to do so), or the Bruce Trail Conservancy would be sincerely appreciated by the family.