Ernest “Ernie” Sydney Parker, age 87, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2024 with his family by his side.

He was an adoring husband to his sweetheart Nancy “Nance” for 57 years. He was a proud father to his three daughters, Lynn (Carlos), Laura (Jamie) and Karen (Paul), and a loving Grampa to Lee, Avery, Kate and Andrew. Family was the most important thing to him.

Ernie was the son of Florence and Sidney Parker and son-in-law to Eileen and Arthur “Art” Johnson. He was the loving brother to Jean Blayney (Chuck), brother-in-law to Jean and Al Walker and uncle to eight nieces and nephews.

Ernie was born on July 4, 1936 in Toronto and was a lifelong resident of Etobicoke. He attended Ryerson University and worked the bulk of his career as Director of Operations for Sunbeam Canada and Flexovit Abrasives. He worked hard but knew that family always came first. Ernie worked to live, not lived to work.

He was a dedicated Toronto Maple Leafs fan, who was thrilled to have been at the Gardens when they last won the Stanley Cup. He loved playing euchre, dominoes and bingo with family and friends, and traveling to Wasaga Beach, Myrtle Beach and Florida. Ernie and Nancy, along with Jean and Al, were dedicated cruisers, spending over 300 days at sea. Ernie enjoyed visiting with family in Orangeville and felt fortunate to have great long-time neighbours.

Ernie was thoughtful, loving and kind. He lived his life with integrity and was someone who you could always turn to for help or advice. He was a gentle and sweet man who shared a smile and kind word with all he met. While he will be dearly missed, his memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

Friends may call at the Turner & Porter 'Peel Chapel, 2180 Hurontario St., Mississauga, on Monday, January 15, 2024 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow the service at the Funeral Home.

For those who wish, donations can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.