Ernest William Skrow - Steeles Memorial Chapel

Private Family Service

Ernest (Ernie) William Skrow

September 25, 1932 – April 18, 2021

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Ernie in his 88^th year.

He will be greatly missed by his wife Helen of more than 65 years for whom he cared for during the past 13 years. A special thanks to Ofelia and Myrlin for helping Ernie to care for Helen for the last 8 years.

He will also be sadly missed by his daughter Robin, his son Steven (Diane), and grandchildren Taylor, Max and Dylan.

Ernie was an entrepreneur and owned and operated a successful mushroom growing operation (Meadowglen Mushroom) for over 30 years. He always respected a handshake more than a signed contract.

Ernie was an avid sports fan and a homer all the way. He attended many Leaf, Jays and Argos games over the years, and was always a very passionate fan. He even believed he could manage the teams better than the actual coaches.

He belonged to Donalda Club for over 45 years and always looked forward to his Wednesday Legends Games and dinners a afterwards. Ernie also cherished his birthday celebrations with his buddies from the old neighborhood.

Above all, Ernie was a very charismatic and giving man who loved chatting with people and loved volunteering at Sunnybrook Veterans Hospital and pushing wheelchairs on Tuesdays, while trading stories with the Veterans.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre would be greatly appreciated by the family.

Rest in peace Ernie, we will always miss you.

Message of Condolence

Posted on 19.04.2021 - 1:14 PM

Judy Stevens

Dear Family..........my sincerest condolences. I knew Ernie and Helen for many years and enjoyed seeing them when passing through a supermarket and catching up. Such a handsome fella! Judy Stevens

Reply • Report

Posted on 19.04.2021 - 1:27 PM

Barry Francis

My sincere condolences to members of the Skrow family on your loss. As a fellow golf enthusiast from Donalda Club, I had many pleasant interactions (golf and otherwise) and more than a few laughs with Ernie over the years. He was a treasure and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Barry Francis

Posted on 19.04.2021 - 3:08 PM

Dr Calvin D Torneck

It was with sadness that I heard of Ernie's passing. Our paths crossed many times in our adult life adult life but the friendship began many years ago when Ernie stood up to a person who had been bullying me when we were children attending Dewson St. P.S. It was an act of support and friendship that I have remembered to this very day. My sincere condolences to his family.

Posted on 19.04.2021 - 3:16 PM

Jeffrey Koza

To the Skrow family. We had the cottage next door to the Skrow's in Washago and remember Ernie as a kind gentle man with a big smile. He always had time for us kids and even remember him playing games on the beach with us. What I remember the most was Ernie picking up his canoe with one arm. My thoughts and prays are with the family as this sad time.

Posted on 19.04.2021 - 3:54 PM

Marvin Tile

Dear family, We were in grade 6 at Dewson and stayed in touch as Kenton members, even as a patient , So many memories of a life well lived, may his memory be for a blessing. Esther and Marvin Tile

Posted on 19.04.2021 - 4:02 PM

David Drexler

Helen, Robin, Steven and families. Sad news. I'm lucky that all my memories of Ernie (and you all) are happy. Please know that we're thinking about you, and Ernie.

Posted on 19.04.2021 - 5:02 PM

Susan Magerman

We are so sorry to hear about the loss of a warm, generous, funny and caring best buddy to my late father and a good person. He will always be my Uncle Ernie - a big hearted and always supportive part of our extended family. Love and condolences to everyone in the immediate family. Susie, Zamy and Aaron Magerman

Posted on 19.04.2021 - 6:00 PM

Linda Nash

Scrow Family: Your great-grandmother Toba Raizel Shefsky was my dad’s (Herschel Nash) first cousin but was the same age as your grandmother Sally and they were best friends. Over the years Ernie and I have been in touch by phone with the hopes of one day soon getting together with the Shefsky, Magerman and other Nash cousins. His dedication to Helen of course was first and foremost and only made me love and respect him even more. He was warm, smart, witty and interesting and I’m sure a huge loss to his family. Please accept my deepest and sincere condolences on the family’s profound loss. Cousin, Linda Nash.

Posted on 19.04.2021 - 6:13 PM

MARK DREXLER

Hi Helen and Robin and Steven. My brother David passed on the sad news that Ernie has passed away. In recent years, at least up until 2011 when Carole passed away, I always looked forward to seeing Ernie, and a big smile at high holiday services. Great memories of neighbours on Paperbirch when we were kids.

Posted on 19.04.2021 - 7:10 PM

Barbara Magerman

My family and I sincerely mourn Ernie's passing. Known as Uncle Ernie, he was a beloved fixture at all family gatherings. He is sorely missed.

Posted on 19.04.2021 - 8:43 PM

Paula Mudrick David

Dear Helen, Robin and Steven...Please accept my sincere sympathies on your loss. Ernie was always such a strong and gentle man in my childhood memories. I will never forget almost 65 years ago when my Paperbirch back door neighbour always looked out for me, invited me to have the run of his property, and entertained all of the kids with his stories and laughter. In the ensuing years, whenever our paths crossed, he always was interested and attentive. He was a great guy and I hope your memories will give you comfort in the coming days.

Posted on 19.04.2021 - 8:53 PM

Lorraine Langer

Ernie was a gentle soul. Always with a smile on his face, caring, eager to help, often going out of his way for me. I will miss him. Lorraine Langer

Posted on 19.04.2021 - 9:43 PM

Chuck Magerman

I am very saddened to hear of "Uncle" Ernie's passing. He was always a positive, friendly and gentle man. A great friend to my father and the whole Magerman family. He was always interested in updates on me and my family, and of course, always interested in talking about and comparing views on the Blue Jays - a team and a sport we shared a love for. I have many fond memories of extended family dinners, and memories going as far back to include visits to the Washago cottage, and joining the Skrow family on some adventures in Florida (Uncle Ernie invited me to join him on a fishing expedition when he reeled in a nice sized sailfish). He was a generous, warm and positive influence - a true "cup half full" man. He will certainly be missed by us all. Sincere love and condolences to Helen, Robin, Steven, and their families.

Posted on 19.04.2021 - 9:56 PM

Perri-Anne Magerman

Helen, Robin and Steven, I was shocked and so saddened to learn of the passing of your husband and father. For as long as I have been a part of the Magerman family, "Uncle" Ernie was always a larger than life presence at family gatherings and simchas, who warmly welcomed me into the family. His friendliness and good naturedness was admired by my parents and sisters and he was truly loved by all of my children, Zachary, Jessica and Jamie. I remembered finding an old photo of my aunt and uncle, Florence and Walter Pape taken in my grandparent's home and was delighted to realize that Ernie was also in the photo. I felt that it was a sure sign that our two families were meant to be joined. Though we have not seen him in a few years, it was always a treat seeing him sitting with Taylor at the Blue Jay's games and listening to him talk baseball with Chuck. Ernie was one of a kind and his ever present smile will truly be missed. May all of your wonderful memories of him be a comfort to you. With all of our thoughts, Perri-Anne, Chuck, Zachary, Jessica and Jamie Magerman.

Posted on 19.04.2021 - 10:01 PM

Bob Lester

It was with a great sense of sadness when I learned of Ernie’s passing. I always enjoyed our times together both at temple and at Donalda Club. My condolences to the family.

Posted on 19.04.2021 - 10:42 PM

Anna Klimas from Sonny Langers

To Helen, kids and grandchildren, Please accept my deepest and sincere condolences. I've known Ernie for a very long time. From the start of my journey at Sonny Langer's, through everything, he was always there for me. I've been trying to write these condolences, and I cannot believe our Ernie has passed. He was such a gentlemen, always helpful, so positive and always smiling and happy. He never complained about anything. He was a good, caring friend to everybody and loved by everyone at Sonny's. I adore and respect him so much. Ernie, you will always stay in my heart and never forgotten.

Posted on 19.04.2021 - 11:07 PM

Queenie and Sol Nayman

Dear Skrow family, Sol and I are deeply saddened to learn of Ernie's passing and we send you our sincere condolences. We have fond memories of tennis with Helen and golf with Ernie at Donalda. We pray that your happy memories will be a comfort. May you be spared further sorrow, Queenie

Posted on 20.04.2021 - 7:27 AM

hyla a mendelow

Dear Helen and family - i am so sad about losing Ernie. Our families have known each other for years. we all grew up on the same street in don mills, went to Beth El synagogue, and had cottages in Washago. I remember when Ernie got Prince, his collie and i begged to walk him - every night after school. Ernie took me up to the mushroom farm with Prince and showed me how things were growing. He told me a story once about shooting a bb gun with my dad at the cottage. they would both stand on the shore and shoot into the water to see who could shoot farther! our families were so interconnected. imagine my surprise when i went to work for Sonny Langer and found out Ernie was his best friend. it was so wonderful to reconnect. He was a very special person; a mensch and a kind and gentle soul. I hope all the good memories will sustain you all during this time of mourning. hyla

Posted on 20.04.2021 - 8:47 AM

Susan J. Peterson, CPA, CA

Robin, my sincerest condolences to you and Helen on the loss of Ernie. Ernie has been a steadfast client and friend since the first audit I did at Meadowglen Mushroom in the fall of 1976. I have treasured his great spirit and his loyalty to me as his accountant over all the years since then. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to speak to him often in the past few months before his illness and to consider him a friend.

Posted on 20.04.2021 - 9:57 AM

Marla Zionce

My deepest condolences to the family. Robin, I have fond memories of your dad from when we were roommates many years ago. I hope your memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.

Posted on 20.04.2021 - 11:07 AM

Norman Godfrey

My sincerest condolences on Ernies passing. Ernie was one of the kindest and most generous people I have know. His radiant smile warmed all those around him. A real mensch. May your warm memories bring the family comfort at this difficult time. Baruch Dayan Emet.

Posted on 20.04.2021 - 11:33 AM

Elaine Givertz

Dear Family Your beloved father was an old friend from high school days. May his memory be a blessing to all of you. Elaine and Marv Givertz

Posted on 20.04.2021 - 12:17 PM

Susan Finkler

Helen, Robin, Steven & families sorry to hear the news of Ernie's passing. I have fond memories of Ernie from the Cottage days and the Temple days. I remember his smile and like Jeffrey, lifting his canoe with one arm. Always a gregarious man, he had quite the presence. My Condolences to you during this sad time.

Posted on 20.04.2021 - 12:53 PM

Andrea Kaminker

Dear Steve, Robin and Helen, I was very sad to hear about your dad/husband passing away. Although it has been many years, I have great memories of Ernie. Thinking about you at this difficult time.

Posted on 20.04.2021 - 3:52 PM

Michael & Karen Sanders

Dear Skrow family: We were saddened to read of Ernie's death. We knew Ernie and Helen when we joined Temple Emanu-El in the 1970s. They were a handsome couple and always a pleasure to engage in conversation. We remember Ernie with his big smile and always friendly, personable manner. Please accept our sincerest condolences on your loss.

Posted on 20.04.2021 - 4:59 PM

Lorraine Savein

Helen + family: I was shocked +saddened to hear of Ernie's passing. He + Norman were friends way back when they were kids on Roxton rd. They renewed their friendship at Kenny Borden's "guys club" monthly lunches + dinners. He was always smiling, friendly, easy to talk to and CARING ...a great guy. My sincerest condolences to you all.

Posted on 20.04.2021 - 9:17 PM

Ralph and Sheila Cincinatus

Helen Sheila and I were so sorry to hear of Ernie's passing. He was instrumental way back in the merger of Beth El and Temple Emmanuel and we were there for the the talks that took place. Thanks Ernie for being the Mentch you were

Helen + family: I was shocked + saddened to hear of Ernie's passing. He + Norman were friends way back when they were kids on Roxton rd. They renewed their friendship with Kenny Borden's "guys club " of monthly lunches and dinners. He was always smiling, friendly, easy to talk to and CARING...a great guy. My sincerest condolences to you all.

Posted on 21.04.2021 - 7:21 PM

Rhona and Reg Adelman

To the Skrow family. We were so sorry to learn of the passing of Ernie. Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of this fine man.

Posted on 21.04.2021 - 8:23 PM

Joanne Raetzen Goldberg

I am deeply saddened to hear of Ernie's passing. Ernie and Helen were good friends of my parents Jackie and Leslie Raetzen. Ernie kindly allowed me to bring my class to the mushroom farm for a privately escorted field trip led by the owner himself and we looked forward to that trip as a yearly outing. My sympathies go to Robin, Steven, Diane and Ernie's grandchildren.

Posted on 21.04.2021 - 9:22 PM

Rina Fishbein

Dear Helen and family, I was very sorry to hear of Ernie's passing. My sincere condolences to all of you at this difficult time. Rina

Posted on 22.04.2021 - 6:08 PM

Frankie Rose

Helen, Robin, Steven and Diane and family, So sorry to hear of Ernie's passing. I got to know him well when I spent time with Helen after her stroke and he was there for her. He was very kind and easy to talk to.

Posted on 23.04.2021 - 12:37 PM

Rene katzman

Remembering double dating with Helen and Ernie and Honeymooning in Florida. Such good memories Our sincere condolences. May his memory be a blessing. Rene and Mel Katzman

Posted on 23.04.2021 - 6:01 PM

Norma Borden

Ernie was a pleasure to be with always smiling and positive just like Ken was. No wonder they liked each other. They are both together listening to Kenton music up there somewhere. May his memories sustain and comfort you. Rest in peace Ernie!

Posted on 29.04.2021 - 9:03 PM

michael Somer

I had the honour and privilege of knowing Ernie for about 4 years before the pandemic came. We both volunteered at the Veteran's Centre on the grounds of Sunnybrook Hospital. Ernie always had great stories to tell, and had a memory like an elephant..no disrespect intended. He was especially "up" on sports, movies, and history. He was extremely kind to the Veterans, and cheered up many with his stories and listening to their stories. To know Ernie is to love him. Rest in peace Ernie; you have earned it. Michael and Brenda Somer

Posted on 02.05.2021 - 9:44 AM

Jock Williams

We Sunnybrook pushers will all miss Ernie! He was a truly great guy!

Posted on 25.05.2021 - 10:30 AM

Michael McCarthy

A wonderful, friendly gentleman, whom I loved chatting with at the Donalda Club, while marshalling for the "Legends"

Posted on 27.05.2021 - 7:45 PM

Ken Dowd

My condolences to the Skrow family.Ernie is missed by so many and fondly remembered.Count me in.Over 35 years we enjoyed so many golf days including breakfast and lunch.Ernie was a gem.A great guy to spend time with.

Posted on 31.05.2021 - 9:27 PM

CAMERON JACQUIE

Our sincere condolences to Ernie’s family. I remember Ernie & Helen visiting my mom & dad, Marjorie & David Barclay in Stewarttown. A very kind gentleman.

Posted on 01.06.2021 - 9:31 PM

Kellie Taylor

Helen, Robin, Steve and family, We just found out that Ernie has passed away. Our parents, Joyce and Hank, first met Helen and Ernie through mushrooms; dad was the Executive Vice President of the Canadian Mushroom Growers Association. Clayton and Brent have continued in the mushroom industry. Ernie drove up to Durham region to lunch with Joyce and the three of us following Hank's death in 2011. Clay had a great telephone conversation with Ernie following our mom's death just one year ago, and had hoped to meet up again when COVID is behind all of us. Sigh. There are so many lovely messages on this condolence page. We are thinking of you and missing him, too. Hugs, Kellie, Clay and Brent Taylor

Posted on 01.06.2021 - 10:24 PM

Paul Langer

I was saddened to learn today in the Donalda Sundial of Ernie's recent passing. As a kid who grew up at Donalda over the past 60 plus years, I have many fond memories of golfing, socializing and of course discussing the Leafs with Ernie. Simply put, he was one of the nicest, kindest gentleman I have ever had the honour of knowing. It seems like only yesterday that I was chatting with him while he was getting his Cadillac spruced up at the Don Mills Car Wash. Ernie will be much missed but I suspect that he is back among all his old Donalda buddies who preceded him!

Posted on 01.07.2021 - 12:54 PM

Marc Cohen

Dear Helen, Robin, and Steven, I worked for Ernie at Meadowglen. I can't praise Ernie enough for the way he treated me and all of his employees. He respected everyone and we respected him. Many former employees, including me, say that we miss Ernie and Meadowglen. Ernie was a true Mensch. I'm sorry for your loss.

Posted on 31.08.2021 - 9:46 AM

Sandra Pellman

My condolences to the Skrow family. I am very sad to hear of your father's passing. He helped me greatly on the family tree and sent him photos which he was able to help me put names to from my brother's bar mitzvah..I still believe we are related . I know Robin you were skeptical about all this family tree but it opened up a new section of the family tree. I will put your family and history as much as he told me and shared with me in the information part of it. You can contact me at sandra.rdh@hotmail.com aug 31 2021 yours sincerely Sandra Pellman

Posted on 30.12.2021 - 2:25 PM

JP Preston

To The Skrows: It is with great sadness that I learned of Mr. Skrow's death just recently. He was a fine person with a talent not just for food, but also caring and looking out for others that's just what he was. I was saddened to hear of his death this week. I recalled him speaking to an eldest sibling and saying to him "If JP, you or your other brother need any form of help in any shape or form please let me know." I was impressed by this offer-Mrs. Skrow you have lost a great person gifted not only in conversation, food but also an avid sports fan. He will be missed deeply by myself, my parent and two oldest siblings as I was not able to attend your wake Sir. I will donate as a follow-up to this note in the New Year. P.S. I might add that Mr Skrow was a very generous person who would always show us respect-That is what makes my sorrow even harder to deal with. An amazing gentlemen with the utmost respect for many in the food business and this is a tremendous loss not just to his family, business associates but those whose lives he touched and they were many. My deepest Condolences to Mrs. Skrow, Robin, Steven and their children. May he rest in eternal life and my thoughts and prayers are with his wife and two children-Mrs. Skrow you have lots to be proud of. Regards JP Preston.