Ernest "Kojo" Asare-Bediako

As Job 1:21 says, “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord”

His name is ERNEST 'KOJO' ASARE-BEDIAKO, and we shall remember him in memory and heart, and grieve for him, and our loss of him, forever.

His absence leaves us deeply wounded.

Ernest was born Monday, September 20, 1993 at North York General Hospital.

Ernest will be missed and remembered by a great many family members, extended family members, and friends as he was of 3 cultures.

The Philippines left an indelible imprint on him, early on as his uncle (Papa) Renie and aunt Juliet were his loving family as were his cousin, Joren (deceased), nephews, John Marc, Jondy, and John Paul.

In Canada, his loving parents, Laida and Don, and brother, Matthew, were his core family throughout his life. In Ottawa, aunt Marge, uncle Gene and Katie. In Alberta, Gene, Net, Marie, Betty. In B.C., uncle Bob, (deceased), cousins Melissa and Monica.

As a Ghanaian, Kojo is survived by his wife Ashley Asare-Bediako, his in-laws, Nana and Doris, his half brothers Dennis, Michael, Brian. He was incredibly close with his sibling in-laws, adopting them as his own including sister Helen, brothers Randy and Junior, nieces and nephew Neriah and Ebenezer, and was a godfather to Ohemaa.

Ernest spent his first 3 years of life in Toronto, then the next 3 years in the Philippines with his maternal family where he was then baptised as a Catholic with Christ at 6 years old. Then he returned to Toronto with his parents for the rest of his life where he would call home.

As a boy, he lived at Lansdowne and Davenport, then moved to Oakwood and Vaughan. He enjoyed playing sports, camps, Tae Kwon Do, piano lessons, learning languages and art. He also loved fishing and swimming in the Ottawa river. He attended gifted school, where he met his future wife, Ashley.

Ernest valued his friendships and family connections with vigor and absolute loyalty. He was a mentor and friend to many, but most especially to his younger brother Matthew who he loved most dearly and vowed to protect him above all. He remained a loyal son to his mother and father throughout his life.

As Ernest grew, he was of strong will and mind, highly intelligent, fearless, honest, kind and respectful, and generous. Ernest, being the social and friendly person that he was, easily made many friends throughout adulthood at his work as a manager at various locations, and during his undergraduate degree at Humber College.

In 2016, Ernest began dating his future wife, Ashley. He adopted the name “Kojo”, a shortening of Kwadjo meaning “Born on Monday” after she gave him the nickname. They married in 2021.

Kojo was an avid sports fan, particularly the Toronto Maple Leafs and the NBA in general, knowing sports facts in great detail. He has an incredible interest in geography and geopolitics, able to list capitals and history of almost any country. He loved music, spending hours organizing his collection and making playlists for those he loved. He also loved anime, video games, photography, electronics and jokes.

Kojo began attending C3 Toronto in 2016 after declaring in interest in finding Christ. He later also began attending Apostolic Church International with his mother-in-law, Doris. In 2021, Kojo decided to give his life to Christ during an alter call, and on February 12, 2023, he was baptised at C3 Toronto.

Ernest was incredibly strong, but God knew his heart and claimed him as his own. He sought out his place in the world and where he belonged, and found it in Christ as his Lord and Saviour. Kojo passed away Sunday, July 12, 2026 at Sunnybrook Hospital, on a beautifully bright sunny day, after prolonged battles both physical and spiritual. His body had grown weary in illness, but his spirit with God had triumphed before he left us.

His devoted love of the Lord gave him strength and secured his permanent home in Heaven.

Forever, Ernest, Kojo, you are loved and are missed already.