Obituary of Ernest Carl Schwartz

Ernest “Ernie” Schwartz, 81, of Schwartz, Quebec, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 8th, 2017 at the Pontiac Community Hospital in Shawville Quebec.

Born in Otter Lake, Quebec, Ernie is survived by his wife of 56 years, Essie Dagenais and his two sons, Ward (Timothy) and Wade (Lynne). Pre-deceased by his parents Ernest Schwartz Sr. and Olga Bretzlaff, and his brother Wilbert (Theresa), his sister Myrtle (the late Lionel), and his brother Clarence (Viola).

He lived all of his life at the homestead in Schwartz, Quebec from the age of six. Ernie was always emphasizing that the family homestead needed to stay in the Schwartz family for future generations to come, and was extremely proud when a passerby would compliment him on how beautiful and meticulous the property looked.

As much as he never wanted to leave the homestead, he did want to visit every province and Territory in Canada. One summer he built a bedroom in the back of his blue pickup truck and drove Essie and the boys to the East coast to see all the Maritimes, and Newfoundland. Years later, Ernie took the family to the West Coast, where he rented a car, and they saw all the Western provinces, and a huge highlight of that trip was when he got to see his two boys fiddle and step dance at the Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show.

Ernie had the opportunity through his son Ward to visit Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and even got the amazing chance to see Greenland. His dream to visit Germany became a reality when he took a trip to tour Europe and his beloved Germany. It was Germany that captured his heart – many times he would comment on how the Germans really knew how to do it best – the best food, beer and wine!

Ernie was a passionate man who enjoyed collecting antiques. A perfect Saturday for him was leaving early in the morning to go to an auction or a yard sale. He worked as a farmer, a janitor at Dr. S.E McDowell School in Shawville, delivered the rural mail in Ladysmith for Canada Post for more than 43 years and was also a bus driver for the La Salle Bus Lines for 20 years. He was also a Councillor for the Municipality of Thorne, seat #6 for several terms. In his spare time he enjoyed tinkering in his garage while listening to old songs on his nostalgic radio.

Ernie became a grandfather to Derek and Brandon through Wade’s wife Lynne. He spent time with the boys teaching them about life in the country. He cherished his angel, his only granddaughter, Elissa, whose birth was the highlight of his life. Grandpa and Elissa shared a song called “Grandpa’s Little Girl” which was close to his heart.

Ward and Tim’s oldest son Matz also spent a lot of time at the farm where grandpa taught him to fish, terrorize frogs and toast a perfect marshmallow over a campfire. Ernie had two other grandsons, Matz’s brothers, Gage and Wyatt who loved him very much and covered him with hugs and kisses.

He will also be missed by his many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

Funeral service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church at 2633 Route 303 in Schwartz, Quebec on September 16th at 11:00 am. A luncheon will follow the service. Donations can be made to the Pontiac Community Hospital in Shawville or Zion Lutheran Church and condolences can be done online at www.hayesfuneralhome.ca