Ernest Joseph Jerrett passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025, at Taunton Mills Retirement Community in Whitby, Ontario, surrounded by the love of his family — who are still arguing over who got his sense of humor.
Beloved husband of Yvonne, his partner in life and in putting up with his endless love of sports. Cherished father to Erna Laffan (Bernie), Corrine Greco (Tom), Irene Costello (Jim), and Donna Jerrett, all of whom inherited varying degrees of his stubbornness, resourcefulness, and love of a good laugh.
Proud Grandfather to Michael (Trish), Jarrett (Siana), and Jonathan (Aubrey) Greco, and Caitlin Costello (Nolan) and Rachel Costello (Dan) and if you asked him, they were all destined for greatness. Great Grandpa to Elle, Sydney, Lyla, and Delphine Greco, with one more on the way in January 2026.
Eldest brother to a full house of siblings: Delphine, Lennie, Lorraine, Bonnie, Shirley, George, Bev, Donald, Reggie, Brenda, Bernadette (deceased), Michael, Lyn, and Edwina (deceased). As the eldest of the bunch, he was deeply respected — not just for his experience, but for the way he treated everyone with fairness, support, and a touch of mischief.
Cremation has taken place, in accordance with his wishes. Interment will follow later in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, where he first learned how to work hard, fish harder, and tell stories that grew more dramatic every year.
Ernie lived a big life in a quiet way. He found joy in the simple things: a good hockey game, a lucky day on the lake, a stubborn tomato plant, a well-packed tent trailer, and a guitar that stayed mostly in tune. He could fix just about anything — though sometimes with a little duct tape and a few choice words, and if he couldn’t, Yvonne came in and fixed it for good.
He will be remembered as a gentle, funny, no-nonsense soul who gave more than he took, complained less than he probably should have, and left behind a lifetime of memories that will keep his family laughing, crying, and quoting him for years to come.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Taunton Mills Retirement Community and the dedicated caregivers from St. Elizabeth’s for their exceptional compassion, support, and care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society or the O.P.P. Youth Foundation, causes close to our hearts — and his.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ernest, please visit our floral store.
