In his later years, Errol loved to watch and talk about current news happenings, boast about his grandchildren, read, and tell stories (some of them even true) about his adventure-filled life.
After a start as a journalist at a community newspaper and a local radio station in Halifax, he got his foot in the door at the fledgling CTV station in Halifax by telling his prospective employer that he was, indeed, a reporter/cameraman. The reporter part was true. After investing a weekend and a case of beer with a buddy who was a news cameraman, Errol had acquired sufficient skills to get the job. His love for the news business carried him through a career that spanned decades with CTV at Halifax, Montreal and Toronto where he was a senior producer for the CTV national news and W5.
Next was a transition to the provincial government where, as a director of communications, he managed the communications programs for various ministries including advising ministers. That job morphed into a position as president of a public relations/communications firm affiliated with a national advertising agency.
In his next act, with his wife Barbara, he founded McConnell Weaver Strategic Communication, a firm which provided communications counsel and services to a wide range of national and international clients. Errol and Barbara moved to the much loved hamlet of Milford in 2003.
For him, working in public relations and communications was fun. He loved it and was good at it. But his passions were motorcycling and sailing. On his own and with Barbara, he rode tens of thousands of miles on motorcycles, touring all corners of Canada and the United States, including two trips on Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles. They were frequent sailors in the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean but most of their sailing adventures took place along the eastern seaboard of the United States in Florida, Chesapeake Bay and Newport, Rhode Island. The most challenging and adventurous passage they made offshore from Miami to Newport.
At his request that there be “no fuss”, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal service or celebration of life at this time.
Special thanks to the excellent care givers in the past at Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital and at the end of his life journey at Hospice Prince Edward (HPE). Anyone wishing to honour Errol is invited to donate to the PECMH Foundation or HPE.
Errol is resting at Rushnell Funeral Homes – Picton Chapel, 33 Main Street, Picton (613-476-2450). Online condolences at: www.rushnellfuneralhomes.com