Ernst Tischer

Ernst Tischer was born on September 30, 1911 in Zeleznica, Wolynien, Russia (modern day Ukraine). His family were German farmers who had been encouraged by Russia to help settle the western borderlands. Ernst was the eighth of twelve children. In a family where six of the twelve children died, two world wars were experienced, the family was relocated to Siberia and the homestead was twice lost, Ernst does not remember his childhood fondly.

Prior to Ernst being born, his parents decided to break from the family’s Catholic tradition and became Baptists. As this decision was negatively received by the rest of the family, and after failed attempts to dissuade them from this conversion, Ernst’s paternal grandfather resorted to poisoning Ernst’s family. The family became violently ill, but thankfully, they survived. The father was then forced to stop his attempts by the extended relations.

During World War I, Russia expropriated the family farm and forced the displacement of 3.5 million Germans to Siberia. On the relocation train ride, Ernst fell from an upper berth onto an iron floor suffering a severe concussion. He was forced to stay behind in a barrack where he shared a bed with his cousin who had contracted measles. After she died next to him, his uncle left him to catch up with the rest of his own family and told Ernst’s father to go back and collect his son. Ernst’s lower back was injured, his balance was affected (giving him a lifelong mobility challenge), and his retina was torn starting a deterioration in his vision which ultimately left him blind. It took years for him to regain mobility, and he was mercilessly taunted for his handicap. Because of the difficulty of the times, Ernst was never able to attend school. His mother taught him to read, and Ernst later taught himself many things through his love of reading; (he was often told he should have gone to university, although he never received any formal education.) In 1917, the Tischer family was permitted to return to their homestead to find it had been left to ruin and they had to begin again.

Ernst had always loved music and played various stringed instruments including violin, guitar, mandolin, and balalaika. He made most of his own instruments, although he never apprenticed in that art. Ernst also loved to sing and was a member in both mixed and male choirs, and even conducted a youth church choir until his eyesight prevented him from continuing to do so. Ernst made his own decision to become a follower of Christ as a child and was baptized at fourteen years of age.

As WWII began, the family was forced to flee again, this time toward Germany. Due to his physical limitations, Ernst was initially ineligible for military duty but was later conscripted to join the German army in 1942 where he served in the occupation of Norway. He was trained as a medic and used as an interpreter for the seven languages he could speak: German, Ukrainian, Russian, Polish, Yiddish, Norwegian, and English. At war’s end, Ernst used this cloak of languages to maneuver his return to Germany, feigning alliances as was convenient; he just wanted to return “home” to family.

Ernst was sponsored by siblings and immigrated to Canada in 1949. On his immigration application, Ernst stated he had never been a German soldier, as Canada was not accepting German soldiers at that time. His deception was discovered and he was called to appear before a war tribunal. On the day Ernst was to appear in court, he received the ticket to sail for Canada; he defied the court and chose to sail. (Ernst never returned to Germany fearing retribution for this act.)

Like so many German immigrants, Ernst first lived in Winnipeg and attended the Missions Gemeinde. During his five year stay in Winnipeg, he first worked as a dishwasher and then in a factory where he packed imported China until the business was sold and closed down. He then worked as a carpenter; the “Tischer” worked as a “Tischlerei”.

Ernst, who had known Else back in Europe, met her again in Winnipeg. After having lost one child and being widowed, Else Nemitz (nee Ott) emigrated with her twelve year old son, Herbert. Ernst and Else were married December 19, 1953.

The Tischer family moved to Vancouver in the summer of 1954 where daughter Astrid was born and son Harry six years later. They first attended Bethany Baptist Church and then became charter members of Immanuel Baptist Church in 1956. He was their oldest member.

After many odd jobs, from washing dishes to cars, Ernst landed a job (with the assistance of the Canadian National Institute of the Blind) at MacMillan Bloedel where he made presto logs for eighteen years until his retirement (at age 69) in 1980.

Ernst enjoyed fishing outings with the CNIB, reading (when he could), puttering in his garage, listening to his radio (regularly complaining about how poorly the Canucks played), and entertaining countless guests that would visit for Else’s excellent culinary skills and Ernst’s humour. He also enjoyed playing chess and a highlight was when he got to play World Champion Bobby Fischer at an invitational in Vancouver in the 1960s.

Opa also filled the role of “Papa” for granddaughter, Ingrid, who was raised at the family home on East 10th Avenue. She has many fond memories of him, including their weekly “fight” over the TV on Saturday mornings: cartoons vs. All Star Wrestling!

When Else suddenly passed away in 1990, the family rallied to care for Ernst within his own home for the next 24 years. The combined household soon flourished with grandchildren, commotion, pets, and noise. Ernst enjoyed being surrounded by his family, and the ability to turn off his hearing aid when he needed some peace!

On January 20, 2006 Ernst was admitted to hospital with a life threatening case of cellulitis. After a four week stay, he returned home but was confined to a wheelchair. The last years had been difficult as Ernst’s eyesight completely left him in 2000, a loss he always mourned. With limited hearing, his independence taken from him, and those disappointing Canucks, one could have expected Ernst to have been very discouraged. Though he had never been an optimistic soul, Ernst was not a complainer – he was an amazing example to his family. Ernst continued to pray daily, bless his family, sing the occasional hymn, and waited expectantly to meet His Lord and Maker.

Many in Ernst’s immediate family lived long, full lives, but none ever reached their 100th birthday. Ernst was very proud of that, particularly considering his physical challenges. He enjoyed his celebration and all of the formal congratulations, particularly from Queen Elizabeth II. (“I didn’t think they all knew me!”)

Despite a lifetime of defying physical odds, an amazing memory and history recall, Ernst’s last year was very difficult. His last months were spent at the German Canadian Care Home where his increasing needs could be managed. Reaching his 103rd birthday was his most recent accomplishment! (He ultimately did not “feel” his age but rather felt like he was “only” 70 or 80.)

Throughout his physical and mental decline, Ernst clung to his faith, trusting in His Lord and Saviour. This last year his prayer remained constant: that the Lord would take him by the hand, lead him, that he would be blessed and in turn be a blessing. The Lord heard and answered Dad’s prayer.

Ernst will be missed by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other family members.