Ernest Ebenezer Johnson

We will always remember his one of a kind voice, infectious laugh and larger than life personality.Ernie was born on April 30th 1937 in the district of Amity Hall, Mocho, Clarendon, Jamaica and was the last of 9 brothers and sisters. Always one for adventure, Ernie moved from Jamaica to England when he was only 19 years old to study welding. He immigrated to Canada in 1967 and enjoyed a thriving career as a welder and a Heat Engineer in Burlington, Ontario. He was very proud of his contribution to building the structure of the Skyway Bridge. Despite his successful career in welding, Ernie ended his welding job to pursue his true passion for cooking and Caribbean cuisine. Together with his 1st wife Dr. Ethilda “Tilly” Johnson, they opened the pathway for future black entrepreneurs by being the first black couple have a stall in the downtown Farmer’s Market in 1972. Their stand in the Farmer’s market was a fixture in the community and led to the opening of a Caribbean restaurant where Ernest was the operator and head chef. Not one to shy away from celebrating his strengths, Ernie appointed himself as “The Best Beef Patty Maker” in the city of Hamilton and surrounding areas. He often boasted that this soup contained the perfect mix of flavors and spices that was unmatched by any other competitor. Standing at roughly 5 feet one inches, tall (if you rounded up), he would challenge any naysayer who questioned his cooking skills regardless of their size. In 1981, Ernie married Viola Johnson. They shared many laughs, joyful moments and great meals together. He and Viola remained happily married until her death in 2010.Birthdays were an extravaganza for Ernest! When he was still living in his own home, he meticulously planned every detail of his annual birthday bash so that his guests would feel like royalty! For Ernest, a birthday party was required to have a variety of seasoned meats and seafood such as oxtail, stew chicken, curry goat, barbequed steak, escovitch fish and shrimp. At his parties, there was always a surplus of side dishes along with a never-ending supply of alcoholic beverages. Ernie also prided himself on owning an extensive reggae music collection and wowed his guest with songs that shaped their generation. Ernest was small but mighty. He was not afraid to advocate for himself and he never let the changes in his health dictate what he could and could not do. He was the king of finding a solution to any problem that came his way. When faced with a degenerative eye condition that resulted in his loss of sight, Ernest kept his sense of humor and upbeat personality intact. He was determined to live independently, in his own home, in downtown Hamilton until he was unable to physically care for himself alone. He had the spirit of a mighty warrior who understood that he could still be in control of his care, even with the support of others. He was very specific and particular about his needs, likes and dislikes and made sure that his wishes and desires were always heard and respected. On December 10th 2020, Ernie was taken to St. Joseph’s hospital where he tested positive for COVID-19. Even with his diagnosis, he still found the strength to inform anyone who would listen that the food would have been tastier if he was allowed to get into the kitchen and express his culinary expertise.

A friend to many, Ernie was adored by cousins, nieces and nephews. He leaves behind several loved ones including his two adopted daughters Ventylin and June Johnson. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone at Grace Villa Long Term Care Home and the wonderful staff in the COVID Unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions the Funeral Service will be livestreamed on Wednesday, December 23rd at 11am ; https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/21537/wait