DE ZORDO, Ernest

On June 7, 2024, Ernie left this world peacefully in his usual unassuming and cheerful self, just shy of his 98th birthday. Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, to parents then recently emigrated from Cadore in the Italian Dolomites, he travelled to Toronto at the age of 18 to join the war efforts, only to end up in Montreal for a date with Audrey Appleby, who became his wife of 58 years until her passing in 2010.

Together they raised a family in Westmount during the week, in Piedmont skiing and golfing and at Lake Notre-Dame swimming, sailing, and canoeing on weekends. Teaching alpine and X-country skiing was a passion for Ernie – he was an instructor at Mont-Avila/St-Sauveur for more than 40 years, always recognizable by his hatless head no matter the temperature. That passion for skiing has been passed on to his children Alexander (Jayne Pollock), Christopher (Annie Murray) and grandchildren Matthew, Victoria and Sofia. He was still skiing into his mid 80s and golfing till his early 90s, having retired in the Laurentians where he was an active member of the Viking Club, RUMPS and the Morin-Heights Legion.

Ernie was a people person, with a smile and a story for everyone. Never one to complain, his usual response to anyone inquiring about his deteriorating health of late was – “everything’s fine, but thanks for asking, see if you can get me another dessert”. Meals were always important in the De Zordo household and they were more like feasts and celebrations, with family, friends, neighbours and acquaintances, and an occasional beer or two “tablette” for Ern, as he liked it.

A funeral and mass will be held at Église Saint-Sauveur at 1:30pm on Saturday June 29, 2024 – condolences/visitation at 12:30; reception at 2:30 nearby. He will rest beside Audrey in the Notre-Dame des Nations Cemetery in Monfort, Wentworth-Nord – private family interment at a later date.