Fortunato Ernesto (Ernie) Mazzardis, age 76, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2012 with his family at his side.

Ernie was predeceased by his wife Ina in 1997; parents Giovanni and Rosa; and sister Pia.

He leaves to mourn with fond and loving memories his daughters Joanna and Freda; siblings Anita (Mario), Giannina, Maria and Renzo; brother-in-law Giuseppe; grandchildren, Jess (Sean), Mike, Matt (Jessica) and James; great grandson Michael; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ernie was born in Motta di Livenza, Italy on September 22, 1935 to Giovanni and Rosa Mazzardis. Upon graduation from school Ernie went on to become a carpenter. At the age of 21, looking for new adventures, he emigrated to Canada, arriving in this country on April 22, 1956. Ernie settled in Vancouver where he met his future wife, Wilhelmina (Ina) Walker in 1958. They wed on August 22, 1959. Ernie and Ina later welcomed two daughters, Freda and Joanna. In 1975, Ernie and his family moved to Kamloops where they had spent many previous summers vacationing.

He was a passionate man who loved his family, his job, soccer, hockey, fishing, hunting, making wine and gardening. He also loved opera music, regaling his not so always receptive family members with his renditions of various arias. Ernie continued working as a carpenter until Parkinson's disease forced him to take early retirement in 1994. He took a lot of pride in his work and he was a fantastic craftsman. The homes he built over the years for his family still stand strong today serving as a testament to his skills. In his years at Kamloops Seniors Village he ensured that the building was in good order, conducting regular inspections.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Kamloops Seniors Village and in particular the staff of 1C, Nurse Next Door and Doctors Schumacher and Wiedrick for their loving care of Ernie over these past several years.

At the family's request there will be no funeral service.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to "Parkinson Society BC."

Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenings.com