David Ernest McAlister was born on May 16, 1940 and passed away peacefully on February 14, 2016 with his loving partner, Kathy, by his side. Ernie was 75 years old. Ernie was born, raised and farmed his entire life in the Melfort area. Farming was his way of life from the time he was born until he retired in 1999. After farming, he remained busy helping friends, hauling grain, driving bus and building homes. From a young age, Ernie was interested in how things worked and excelled in math. His electrical and engineering studies as well as farm life helped him become a talented builder of many things including three homes, garages, decks, kitchen cabinets, furniture and toy chests. Ernie enjoyed playing many sports including fastball, curling and golf. He more recently spent much of his free time doing Sudoku puzzles and following U.S. politics on Fox News. Never one to sit still for too long, he enjoyed exploring by going out for walks or drives wherever he was and for coffee at Damar in Melfort and at Circle K in Sebring, Florida. Ernie and Kathy were fortunate to enjoy time together and with family and friends in Florida during the winter months. Visits from their children and grandchildren were special times for all. Ernie loved to travel and explore new places. His travels took him across Canada and the United States, Bahamas, Mexico, Jamaica and western Europe. The trip to Europe with Kathy in 2010 was definitely a highlight. Ernie is survived by his daughter Maureen, son-in-law Dean and four year old grandson Evan Zimmer; loving partner Kathy MacGillivray and her family; sister Colleen, brother-in-law Gary and nephews Bruce and Gregory Clarke; brother Jim and partner Marianne McAlister. He was predeceased by his parents Cameron and Dora McAlister.