DEVENYI, Ernest -
October 17, 1939 – May 3, 2023
It is with great sadness that the family of Ernie Devenyi announces his passing on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.
He passed away at home with his treasured family by his side.
After 2 years of battling cancer, it was time for him to join Lorna. Ernest Louis Devenyi was born in Budapest, Hungary and one of four children to Augustine and Janka Devenyi.
He escaped Communist Hungary with his brother Gus in 1957 and made his way to Toronto, Canada.
He married Ruby Pawley and had two children, David and Susan. Ruby died of Cancer in 1964 and he was left a widower.
In 1966 Ernie met Lorna Burlock (nee O’Brien) who was also a widow with three children, Stephen, Holly, and Reg.
They married, and had the sixth child, Brian to complete their “Yours, Mine & Ours”.
Ernie was employed by Simpson’s for 35 years starting out as a non-English speaking maintenance worker to eventually Managing their distribution warehouse in Scarborough.
Simpson’s was purchased by The Bay and he was retired at 52 years of age. Ernie was a very accomplished musician.
His lust for music was initiated by his relation to Anton Dvorak, the famous composer. He played the Trombone and was a member of many orchestras and bands over the years. When he passed he was a member of New Horizons, Swing Band,
The Durham Chamber and regarded his fellow musicians as treasured friends. Ernie was renowned for his impeccable cleanliness, organization skills, time keeping, budgeting skills, and his whistling. His many life accomplishments included raising a big family, climbing the corporate ladder, many musicals at the Unionville Theatre, and outsmarting the squirrels in his backyard.
He was an incredible, committed husband who dedicated his life to providing love and support to his partners. His love for Lorna was fierce. She appreciated and adored him for his care of her. He was a very hard-working man who loved his children equally.
He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. Ernie was father to six children, Stephen (deceased), Holly (Perry), Reg (deceased), David (deceased) (Alison), Susan (Glen), and Brian (Jacquie). He was PAPA to 11 grandchildren, Jonathan, Adam, Eric, Korri, Stephen, Tyler, Krista, Rachael, Mitchell, Emma and Mackenzie.
He was also Great Grandfather to Brooke, James and Cole. Ernie was predeceased by his parents, and brothers, William & Augustine and leaves Gabor as his only surviving brother.
He also leaves his cherished nephew Zsolt. To our family medical team, Brian & Jacquie for their unequivocal, loving support and gentle handling of Ernie’s departure.
You made it the best departure that it could be. A very sincere thank you to Susan & Glen for keeping Dad in your bubble for the last two years. Your care and handling of his illness and his life will be forever appreciated by all of the family. You were his light in a very dark and troubled time.
Finally, to Ernie’s neighbours and to Lisa Yasny Comeau for your loving care of our Dad. Thank you!!
Funeral services will be held at the COURTICE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1587 Hwy #2, Courtice on Friday, May 12th, 2023 at 10:30am. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be made at courticefuneralchapel.com .
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