Passed away peacefully in his sleep at home with family close on May 16, 2024 in his 88th year.

Beloved husband of Ernestina, his loving wife of nearly 65 years. Loving father of George (Maryann), Linda (Mario Buzdon), and Richard. Proud grandfather of Matthew, Evan, Andrew and Sofia.

Ernst immigrated to Canada in the late 1950s. It is in Toronto where he met and married his wife and life partner, and raised their 3 children in the High Park area.

As a highly skilled carpenter/cabinet maker trained in Austria, Ernst created exceptional pieces and was in charge of overseeing installations in and outside of Ontario, including Trinidad and Barbados. He also installed kitchens at home, and created unique pieces for his children including beds, bookcases, and desks. He was always eager to teach or help in any capacity he could.

Ernst was strong but also gentle, and kind. He worked hard, often 6 days/week but always was sure to make time for his family. He loved with all his heart. Ernst selflessly spent countless hours building skating rinks in the backyard, shopping for fishing lures/ finding fishing spots, and helping with school science projects e.g., flute building and string art for his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed Sunday picnics, firing up the BBQ, and playing soccer as well as all sorts of card and board games with his children & grandchildren. He loved celebrating and was very proud of his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments and milestones.

He could always be counted on and was extremely punctual – His word was gold. He shared his experiences and taught his children and grandchildren so many skills and significantly the importance of integrity, honesty, and respect for others.

Ernst enjoyed his vegetable garden, nature and wildlife. He enjoyed social gatherings and dinners which included his special recipe for venison, and definitely the all-inclusive trips with his wife to such places as Bahamas, Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Cuba which often his friends and family joined in on the fun.

Ernst was deeply loved and is greatly missed. His values and our memories of him are sure to live on in the hearts of all those who knew him.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. Natasha Aleksova and Nurse Practitioner Shelly Li as well as the dedicated staff of Women’s College Hospital, Cardiac Department.

In his memory, donations can be made to Women’s College Hospital Foundation, Cardiac
Department (https://wchf.akaraisin.com/ui/Donate/donations/start)


Friends may call at Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W. (east of Jane St.) on Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. Prayers 7 p.m. Funeral Mass to be held at St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church, 161 Annette St. Toronto, on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 11 a.m. Interment to follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery.