Mr. Ernest C. Ecklund

September 29, 1931 - June 9, 2014

Ernest C. Ecklund Loving Husband, Father, and Grandfather DRACUT—Ernest C. Ecklund, age 82, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2014 at his home, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was the loving husband of Helen (Caveney) Ecklund, with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage. Ernest was born in Lowell on September 29, 1931, one of four sons of the late Eric B. and Eva (Peate) Ecklund. He attended Lowell Schools and was a graduate of Lowell High School, class of 1949. Ernie enlisted in the United States Navy and served for 4 years during the Korean War. Returning home from his service, Ernie worked as an Electrician in Boston and was a member of IBEW Local #103. He retired in 1986 after a 31 year career. Ernie was an active member in the Dracut Youth Baseball League in the 1970’s and 1980’s, coaching the “Awesome Yankees” for over 16 years. Ernie was very influential in the lives of many of the players involved in the program, who have expressed their gratitude for his encouragement and mentoring throughout the years. He was a driving force in the installation of lights introducing the first night games in Dracut at Hovey Field. Ernie was a very caring person who would help anyone with no questions asked and will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched. In addition to his wife Helen, Mr. Ecklund is survived by his four children, Ernest C. Ecklund, Jr. of Lowell, Brian S. Ecklund of Lowell, Lauren M. Ecklund-Malonis and her husband George Malonis of Dracut, and Stephen E. Ecklund and his wife Jane DeCastro Ecklund of Denver, CO; his grandchildren, Eric Barden, Keith Ecklund, Alexandra Malonis, Christopher Malonis, and Eric B. Ecklund, III; her sisters-in-law, Claire Doherty of Lowell and Virginia “Ginny” Ecklund of Lowell; also many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ernie was the brother of the late George Ecklund, Eric B. Ecklund, Jr., and William Ecklund. FUNERAL NOTICE ECKLUND—In Dracut, June 9, 2014 at his home, Ernest C. Ecklund, 82, beloved husband of Helen (Caveney) Ecklund, and a Navy Veteran of the Korean War. Family and friends may call at the FAY McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 105 MOORE STREET, LOWELL, on FRIDAY from 4 until 7 P.M. Mr. Ecklund’s Funeral will begin on SATURDAY MORNING at 10 o’clock from the Funeral Home, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11 o’clock at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH (Lower Church), 144 East Merrimack St. Lowell. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Ernie’s memory may be made to The Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence, MA 01843. ARRANGEMENTS BY THE FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS, 978-459-9222. www.faymccabe.com