Ernie Sears

2019—Arts Builder

Ernie Sears

Ernest David Sears was a lifelong resident of Sackville and a lifelong promoter of music. While still in his teens he performed on the radio with the Gateway Rhythmaires and continued to play guitar and sing with other groups throughout his life, including country band Bordertown, country folk group Pick of the Crop, and gospel group Roses and Thorns.

On his retirement, he launched his own business, Ernie Sears Music, where he sold instruments, taught guitar to young and old, and sparked a love of music in countless members of the Sackville community. He also helped ensure the presence of live music at seniors’ homes, churches, charitable fundraisers, and local events of all sorts, performing with friends and often donating the use of sound equipment and his own time for set-up and tear-down.

He was known far and wide for the weekly Sunday Night Jams that he hosted in the back of his shop, where musicians ranging from novice to professional gathered to make music together. His commitment to cultivating live music in Sackville is a legacy that will long be remembered.