Sept. 22, 1937 — Oct. 16, 2015

Ernest L. Canniff, 78, of Dowagiac, passed away at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2015, after a lengthy illness.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015, at Clark Chapel & Cremation Services, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, Michigan. Burial will follow at South Wayne Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from noon to 2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Cass County Animal Shelter. Those wishing to leave a memory or condolence of Ernest online may do so at www.clarkch.com.

Ernest was born on Sept. 22, 1937, in Dowagiac, to John and Louise (Bresnahon) Canniff. He married the former Susan Mellon in Cassopolis, Michigan on June 23, 2000. Ernest was a lifelong farmer and took great pride in his farm. He raised dairy cows and more recently raised draft horses and stabled horses for others. Ernest enjoyed spending time on the lake fishing. He was an accomplished member of the Future Farmers of America earning many awards and certificates.

Ernest is survived by his wife Susan, three stepdaughters; Jennifer (Burton) Edgerly of Dowagiac, Sheila Birge of Cassopolis and Lisa (Nicholas) Kraus of Cassopolis, nine grandchildren; Elisabeth, Nichole, Ashley, Mike, Kelsi, Chandler, Noelle, Benjamin and Abraham, one great-granddaughter; Kingzley and a nephew Billy Canniff.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Judy Canniff.