I am sorry to hear of the passing of Joe. I will never forget his kindness and attention and love when I lived with you all in Orangeville, Ontario. To Sherry, Lauren, Elise, Roger and Joey - I hope you are all well and living your life with heightened spirits. Thank you.
Love Catherine

I met Joe Ernst when I was an undergraduate student at what was then San Fernando Valley State College in Northridge, California, where he was a young professor of US History. It was the fall of 1965 and I was embarking on my own academic, intellectual, ideological and political journey. I took several courses with him and was deeply influenced by his commitment to forging a new history, one that studied those that had not been studied, that had been largely left out of historical scholarship.  He was the first professor I'd had who talked about the African American Civil Rights Struggle and the first to make me think critically about US foreign policy through his opposition to the Vietnam War. He challenged me to question my values and beliefs, and to think about what course I would take in my own life. He encouraged me to pursue graduate study and to go on for the Ph.D., even as I doubted my abilities.  I remember standing outside his office one day and listening to him say to someone on the phone, "Hi, this is Joe Ernst."  I thought, wow, he speaks like a human being, like a regular person, he's not just Dr. Ernst or Professor Ernst, he's Joe Ernst. And I thought, this is the kind of person, the kind of professor, I want to be, down to earth, genuine, accessible and committed to making the world a better, more just, and more peaceful place. When I received my Ph.D. I sent him a note thanking him and letting him know that how much I appreciated his encouragement and his mentorship. In typical Joe Ernst fashion, he responded graciously and remembered several of our conversations about the Civil Rights movement and the Vietnam War. He had a great impact on my life and on my teaching.

I was a student of Dr. Ernst in 1967, when he taught a course on Colonial American History. I becme a professor myself and have dedicated myself to the study of Colonial Canadian History, thanks to his fine example. He was one of the professors that I could never forget.

Michele, Condolences to you and Joe's entire family. We are thinking of you all during this difficult time of loss. Caryn, Rena, and Shimmy

Dear Michele,my most sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved husband, Joseph..May fond memories comfort you at this time..Esther Burack

Michele, our deepest condolences to you and Joe's entire family. We are so sad for your loss. You're in our thoughts. Eve and Henning

York University was a very divided institution when I arrived in 1975. It was still a relatively new insitution and had yet to acquire a dominant academic culture. Joe was a real rock in those days helping me to find my own values and providing a rich perspective on university life. He also helped me understand important theories and methods especially in historical geography. When I became Chair of history (Atkinson) where Joe was a member he was a constant source of support - a wonderful friend and colleague.

Very few people had the impact on my life -- or held my admiration -- the way that Joe did.  I met him around 1967 while I was a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin and he was a visiting professor.  We hit it off immediately, and had many discussions that went far beyond any exchanges I had with other faculty members.  A year or t wo later he wrote me about his new teaching post at a young Canadian university: York.  His enthusiasm, and my interest in being his colleague, led to my joining him in the history faculty there in 1970. Having a friend with similar interests, who brought such excitement to intellectual pursuits, was wonderful.  Almost as soon as I arrived at York he suggested we  work on an article together -- an essay on the American Revolution that  would become my first published piece.  He was a charismatic lecturer, a very special person when dealing with departmental politics, and a good friend.  After he retired I looked forward to the lunches that we had regularly.  His delight during those get-togethers came in telling me about Michele and about the accomplishments of his children, all of whom he saw on a regular basis.  He is missed.

Michele, Mark informed us today of Joe's passing. Unfortunately, we are out of town and cannot come to express condolences in person. You are in our thoughts. May you have good memories to sustain you during this trying time and may you know no more sorrow. All our love, Lindy and Sheldon.

Joe had already retired when I came to York's History Department in 1996. However, he went out of his way to come into my office and chat. He did this on several occasions over my first couple of years at York. He was one of the people who really welcomed me and made me realize that I had come to the right place. Even though he later disappeared from the Department, I have always remembered those moments and always will. Thanks Joe.

Michele my deepest condolences to you and your family for the devastating loss of your beloved Joe. I hope the wonderful memories you and Joe shared play over and over in your heart and help to comfort you at this extremely difficult time. Warmest thoughts Amber

Our deepest condelences and thoughts are with you at this time Michele. It was always so nice to witness your relationship and time with each other. He was very special. I will call when I return home....comfort and hugs from the O'Brien's

The Routsis Family made a donation to Joseph Albert Ernst Memorial Fund for Palliative Care at Baycrest Hospital

Joseph, Roula, Jamaica, Joey & Rosie, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad Joe. We wish we could be with you at this time but please know that you are in our thoughts. In tradition with Mom & Dad R, we are lighting a candle in memory of your Dad tonight at dinner. Love you all, Peter,Wendy,Kait & Jay

Eve Silver and Henning Doose made a donation to Joseph Albert Ernst Memorial Fund for Palliative Care at Baycrest Hospital

We are very sorry to hear about your loss. From our family to yours, our most heartfelt sympathies. You are in our thoughts, Eve and Henning

Ineke, David & Amelia Sheffe made a donation to Joseph Albert Ernst Memorial Fund for Palliative Care at Baycrest Hospital

Dear Michele, We are very sorry to learn of Joe's passing. Please know that our thoughts are with you. Ineke, David & Amelia

Nancy Middlemiss made a donation to Joseph Albert Ernst Memorial Fund for Palliative Care at Baycrest Hospital

My deepest sympathy at this sad time to Michele and family.

Esther Burack made a donation to Joseph Albert Ernst Memorial Fund for Palliative Care at Baycrest Hospital

Dear Michele, my most sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved husband, Joseph..May fond memories comfort you at this time..Esther Burack

OBITUARY

Joseph Albert Ernst

Passed away on MARCH 24, 2014

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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