Ernie Rizok

With sadness and love we announce the sudden passing of our dad and grandpa, Ernie Rizok on May 27, 2025 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. 

Ernie Michael Rizok was born on June 12, 1952, youngest son to Helen (nee Herman) and Michael.  He joined siblings Nestor, Gloria and John.  They lived first in Ochre River and then at the farm in Garland.  Stories of stopping the train in Ochre River and getting even with the neighbour’s dogs on the farm are family favourites. With the sudden death of his father, Ernie and his mom eventually moved to Dauphin where he completed high school.  Here his working life with Canada Safeway began.

Ernie married Val (nee Dawson) in 1979.  Together they raised their children Tyler, Colin and Ashlyn. Family life was busy with swim meets, baseball games, bowling tournaments, music lessons, and school activities.  Ernie took a lot of pleasure landscaping at the family home.   His backyard oasis gave him a sense of pride.  The number of rocks that he skillfully arranged or the perennials he nourished are uncountable.  A Sunday drive meant looking for driftwood or lady slippers. Family gatherings around the pool and firepit will be remembered with fondness. Special memories were made during family trips in Canada, the US, Cuba and Mexico. Ernie attended all the kids’ activities and volunteered for Dauphin Minor Baseball and the Parkland Gators.  He was always available as a parent volunteer for field trips and band trips and accompanied Tyler to Thompson for the Winter Games.  There were many memorable ski trips to Asessippi.  Family feasts for Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving were a must, as well as any time all the kids were in Dauphin.

Ernie’s winter pastime was ice fishing.  He enjoyed sharing his passion and would take anyone who wished to experience it with him.   Many memories of Ernie start with “When Ernie took me ice fishing…”

Ernie spent hours volunteering for the Parkland Humane Society and loved his four legged foster fails Josie and Peanut as well as Skeeter and Blackie. Many miles were driven as a RIDE program volunteer.   His efforts with the Dauphin Kings will be missed.  Fundraising through 50/50’s and  helping with events kept him busy.   Being a billet dad was something he loved.  The billets became “his boys” during the season and he loved the energy they brought to his house.  He managed to complete the season although his health was failing.

Ernie was predeceased by his parents Helen and Michael Rizok and father in law Gerald Dawson.

Left to mourn his untimely passing and cherish special memories are his children, Tyler (Jenna Ganchar), Colin and Ashlyn Rudkavich (Clinton) and their mother Val Rizok (Dawson) and their grandmother Joy Dawson. His grandsons Dawson and Cole Rizok will miss Facetiming and in person visits from Grandpa. His granddaughters Tylee, Harper and River Rudkavich will miss his presence at their activities and at Kings games.  He will also be missed by his siblings, in-laws and many nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to thank those who have reached out to show their care and support, and the heartfelt texts and messages that have been received. 

A Funeral Service was held for Ernie on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 10:00 am from the Sneath-Strilchuk Family Care Centre in Dauphin with Pastor Howard Burnie officiating.  

Interment followed in the Riverside Cemetery, Dauphin, MB.

Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Ernie may be made to the Dauphin Kings.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ernie Rizok, please visit our floral store.