Ernest Edward Jutras, known by his friends as Ernie, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, Oct. 17th.  He was born on Nov. 18, 1940.  The eldest of 2 children of the late Wilfred C. Jutras and Frances D. (Robicheau), and brother of the late Wilfred R. Jutras.

Ernie enlisted in the US Naval Reserves In June 1959, called to active duty on the USS Hermitage LSD-34, where he served for 2 years.  Returning home in 1961, he worked as a plumber's apprentice, roofing and laying floors, and a machinist before he found his place at Shaw's Warehouse in E. Bridgewater.  There he excelled in becoming a fork lift operator, earning the nickname "boomer".  He worked there for 32 years and retired when they closed.

Ernie then turned to his passion for gardening and became a Master Gardener, certified at the University of Rhode Island where he helped in the care of their apple orchard.  Helping too, anyone who asked about their gardening issues.  He loved to plant and ate a lot of vegetables right after picking them in the garden, especially tomatoes. He enjoyed watching wildlife and feeding the birds that came to his yard, even turkeys.

Ernie married his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Frances Ornellas, on Dec. 16, 1962. They lived in Hanson for 56 years, raised three daughters and were actively involved in St Joseph the Worker church, and in Campfire Girls.  Ernie was also a member of the Hanson Auxiliary Police, actively working with them. Later on in his life, Ernie "Coonskin" was involved in black powder shooting, participating with a group of men who met as the mountain men of old lived.  He gave talks about the lives of mountain men to grade school children, dressed as one, showing how they lived and survived in the mountains.

Ernie was a Eucharistic Minister and Usher at St Joseph the Worker church, was a proud veteran and marched in his own parade to honor veterans when covid stopped public gatherings, member of the American Legion and Whitman VFW.

Ernie is survived by his wife Frances and daughters Elizabeth, Roberta and Janice, 7 grandchildren, who have always lovingly referred to him as "Grump" and 2 great grandchildren.  Ernie leaves his Hanson Senior Center "family" and his warehouse "family".  He was loved by many and loved them as well.  Some of the last words spoken to him were by a friend who said "I am a better man for knowing you".

Visiting hours will be in the Leighton-MacKinnon Funeral Home 4 West Washington St. (Corner of Rte. 58) Hanson on Tuesday Oct. 25th 4-7 PM. Funeral Mass at 11 AM Wednesday morning Oct. 26th at St. Joseph the Worker Church Holy Apostles Parish (Corners of Rte 14 and 58) Hanson. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial to follow in Fern Hill Cemetery, Hanson.

In lieu of flowers Ernie asked that a donation be sent to the Hanson Senior Center, 132 Maquan St., Hanson MA 02341