Ernst Roth

ROTH, Ernst (Ernie) – Ernie passed away peacefully with his family by his side on March 13, 2023 at the age of 93. He will be greatly missed as he moves on to his next adventure.

Ernie Roth lived a life of adventure. Born August 14, 1929 in Switzerland, he lived and went to school in Wil, apprenticing as a wood pattern maker at Sulzer in Winterthur. He continued his career in wood pattern making in Canada, retiring from Dominion Pattern Works in 1990.

He loved to travel and loved the outdoors. Growing up close to the Alps led him to develop a passion for the mountains, and in his younger years he became an avid mountain climber. His travels led to stints working in both Sweden and South Africa. It was in South Africa that he met Cecilia, who would become his lifelong friend and partner for 66 years. They would raise three daughters together in Burlington, Ontario: Heidi (husband Bob Scarfone), Helen (husband Randy Remigis), and Janet Shoreman (predeceased, 1990). Their family grew to include 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. 

Ernie will be missed by his sister in Switzerland, Heidi Beeler.

Ernie’s love for the outdoors continued throughout his life. He enjoyed camping, fishing, cycling, kayaking, cross country skiing and hiking, and shared these passions with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Ernie was one of the four founding members of the Halton Outdoor Club, teaching cross country skiing and coaching young people in competitive skiing and training 4 skiers to enter the Olympics.

He also enjoyed participating in cross country ski races, once completing a 100 km Masters race.

One of his most prized accomplishments was setting up cross country ski trips in the winter and hiking trips in the fall to Dobiacco, Italy. They began in 2003 and continue to this day.  He was 85 when he went on his last trip. Ernie was also an avid reader and woodworker. His many wood creations included beautifully crafted ukuleles created from the wood that he collected from his land at Grey Bruce County. He enjoyed strumming tunes out on those ukuleles.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude for the care and compassion given to Ernie by the paramedics, ER staff, doctors, nurses and PSWs on 8 South and 8 west at the Hamilton General Hospital.

To those who received felted acorn hearts, think of Ernie when you see them and know how much he appreciated all the chats and care you gave him. May they be a reminder of your wonderful contribution to making this world a better place.

Special thanks to neighbours, Tracey Kelly, Lee and Sheila Horton, and Alan Wilson for always being there for Ernie and Cecilia.

Heartfelt thanks to PSW, Sam Lowe, you were invaluable in providing Ernie with his personal care and support. To Joanne Davison, thank you for the transportation and support.

Cremation has taken place, and keeping with Ernie’s wishes there will be no service. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Hamilton General 8 South and 8 West would be appreciated.

“No permanence is ours; we are a wave that flows to whatever form it finds.”

–              Hermann Hesse

A tree will be planted in memory of Ernst Roth in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.