The Honourable Ernest Leslie Fage of Hastings, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully at the QEII on January 27, 2026, at the age of 72, with family by his side.
Born in Amherst, Nova Scotia, in 1953, Ernest was the beloved son of the late Roger and Doris (nee Mingo) Fage.
He was a devoted husband to Elaine Fage (nee Siddall) for 52 years and a loving father to Jillian (Melissa) Thomas-Fage, Elmsdale, NS, Isaac (Amber Jmaiff) Fage, Dawson City, Yukon, Adam (Hannah Grimson) Fage, Vernon, BC, and daughter-in-law Cecille Fage, Dawson City, Yukon. He was also a proud grandfather to Kierra, Caden, Clark, Orion, Kaya, Florence and Sylvan. He will also be missed by his brother Stanley (Joan) Fage, Halifax, NS; sister Charlotte (Bob) Godfrey, Lower Sackville, NS, sister-in-laws Robin Fage, Hastings, NS, Pauline (Francis) Verstraten, Lorneville, NS, Brenda (Alan) McGee, Barrie, Ontario, Ruth (Scott) Murray, Moncton, NB, beloved mother-in-law Jean Siddall, Lorneville, NS and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
In addition to his parents, Ernest was predeceased by his brother Stephen and infant brother Douglas.
Ernest, affectionately known as Ernie to many, graduated from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Truro in 1973. Together with his brother Stephen, he operated Fage Farms Ltd at the family homestead in Hastings and Nappan, Nova Scotia. He was Vice President of the Dairy Farmers of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Representative on Dairy Supply Management to the Canadian Dairy Commission. Ernie was past president of the Amherst & Area Chamber of Commerce.
Ernie served as MLA to the constituency of Cumberland North from 1997-2009. He was an Executive Council Member and held 10 different cabinet posts. Throughout his tenure, he proudly brought 4 new schools to Cumberland County as well as a new Regional Hospital, natural gas and over 12 new major businesses, each employing over 40 employees. Ernie was devoted to his community and relished serving his constituents. He was known for his ability to engage with everyone he met.
During the first 7 years of his retirement, Ernie traveled between home and the Yukon working with his sons Isaac and Adam in the gold mining industry and spending time with his cherished grandchildren Orion and Kaya. While there he enjoyed many epic hunting adventures for Moose, Bison, and Caribou. During his goldmining years, he was known as Big Ernie, he loved the people, the history, the quest for gold and adding to his exciting stories.
Ernie was a man of many stories with a vast knowledge of history, science and trivia. His father passed down his love of hunting, which Ernie continued throughout his life, particularly at home near the family hunting camp where many a late night of stories were shared and in Newfoundland at Gaff Topsail and all over the Yukon. He passed his passion for public service on to his children as well as his love of trivia and the outdoors.
Upon returning to Nova Scotia full time, Ernest enjoyed foraging, gardening, cooking, and working in the orchard with Elaine by his side. Ernest also loved the devoted companionship of his cat, Hector.
Ernie loved playing crib with Elaine and having long talks with Caden, Orion, and Kaya. He was always ready with a hug and fun fact for Clark, Kierra, Flo and Sylvan.
Ernie will be forever remembered as a larger than life personality and will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially his family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jones Family Funeral Centre, 70 Church Street, Amherst, NS (902-667-8777). In keeping with Ernie's wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family graveside service will be held at Hastings Cemetery at a later date.
Those wishing to make a donation in Ernie's memory may do so to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the online memorial at www.jonesfamilyfuneralcentre.ca or through the Jones Family Funeral Centre Facebook Page.