BUENAVENTURA , Ernesto Buenaventura

Ernesto (Ernie) Mateo Buenaventura Jr. passed away peacefully, surrounded by family in his home on Sunday, August 17, 2025, in Scarborough, ON, after a strong fight with stage four lung cancer. He was 81.

Ernesto was born on September 27th, 1943, in Tondo, Manila, Philippines, to Ernesto Buenaventura Sr. and Gaudencia Mateo Buenaventura. He was the eldest of eight siblings and shared his childhood with brothers and sisters Reynaldo, Virgillio, Raul, Evelyn, Noemi, Flor, and Nida. Ernesto had a happy, exciting childhood and embraced lessons and challenges during his time at Letran College. He believed his parents would have been proud of his respectful nature, good looks, decency, and great sense of style.

He started his career at Singer Sewing Machine Co. in their data processing department. Here, he met and courted his wife, Sofie Cadawas, and eventually they fell in love and got married in a secret civil ceremony on Aug 5, 1969.

Soon after, Ernesto and Sofie immigrated to Canada on September 9, 1970, where they officially married at St. Basil’s Church in Toronto on Oct 2, 1971. Ernesto was a loving husband to Sofie for 54 years and a devoted father to Jay (wife Hazel), Sherry (husband Glen), and Marc (wife Mariel), and later a loving Lolo (grandfather), to Gavin, Shannon, Matteo, Paul, and Timothy.

Ernesto was an accomplished Sr. Systems Analyst at Scotiabank, becoming a well-loved colleague and co-worker before retiring in 2005. From there, he filled his time working part-time as a First Student school bus driver and coordinated pilgrimages around the world for 20 years.

Upon retirement, Ernesto found joy in traveling the world, spending time with his family and friends, bowling, singing karaoke, dancing, devoting his time to the Bukas Loob sa Diyos (BLD) covenant community and the Roman Catholic Church, and enjoying good food—especially a well-done steak, stir-fried lobster, or bacon and eggs in the morning.

Ernesto is survived by his wife, Sofie Buenaventura; their three children, Ernest Jay Buenaventura (wife Hazel Buenaventura), Sherry Joy Hugh (husband Glen Hugh), and Marc Joseph Buenaventura (wife Mariel Buenaventura); and five grandchildren, Gavin Hugh, Shannon Hugh, Matteo Buenaventura, Paul Buenaventura, and Timothy Buenaventura. He is also survived by his seven siblings: Reynaldo, Virgillio, and Raul Buenaventura; Evelyn Gomez; Noemi Manalangsang; Flor Bautista; and Nida Macam.

Ernesto will be peacefully reunited with his parents, Ernesto Buenaventura Sr. and Gaudencia Mateo Buenaventura; his parents-in-law, Alfredo and Brigida Cadawas; his brother-in-law, Geroncio Cadawas; and his many cousins ​​and friends in heaven.

A celebration of Ernesto’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 26th, with visitation from 2-9 PM at Chapel Ridge Funeral Home in Markham, ON. On Wednesday, August 27th, at 10 AM, the funeral ceremony will be conducted at St. Lawrence Martyr Parish in Scarborough, ON, followed by the interment at Highland Memory Gardens in North York, ON.

Let us remember him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, cousin, uncle, colleague, and friend—a man of strong faith and kindness whose smile and spirit will continue to brighten our hearts for years to come.

In lieu of flowers: We are grateful for the love and support from friends and family during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to offer support, monetary gifts are preferred. Your kindness is deeply appreciated.

Do you have a photo and story about Ernie? Please send a photo of yourself(ves) or photo(s) with Ernie, and share your stories with the family by emailing them to buenaventuramemorial@gmail.com or fill out this form. Thank you in advance for your contribution.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Chapel Ridge Funeral Home.