Ernest Michael Iannacone

April 8, 1927 - January 29, 2025

With profound sadness and gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the peaceful passing of Ernie Iannacone on January 29, 2025. He was predeceased by his siblings, Rose, Lou, and Ed, and grandson-in-law Mike. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 70 years, Mary, sons Michael (Shirley) and Paul, daughter Julie (Rob), grandchildren Marissa (Dan), Jillian (Brad), Stefanie, Gregory (Mauricio), Mark (Chelsea), Georgia (Cliff), Wysia (Trevor), Isabella (Brian), Nicole (Darren), Kelsey (Menno), Leah (Justin) and 19 great grandchildren. Also survived by sisters-in-law Margaret Iannacone and Sue (Guido) Gabriele, and many nieces and nephews.

Ernie was born to Julia (née Franco) and Vincenzo Iannacone in a small house which was built by his father in the mid-1920s, at the rear of a 33 foot lot in East Vancouver. This house is still occupied today. He was raised in Vancouver and educated at St. Patrick’s High School, Vancouver College, UBC (BComm) and SFU (MBA). He held various managerial positions at BC Railway (formerly Pacific Great Eastern). In 1967, he joined BCIT as an instructor in the Financial Management Technology Department, and eventually became BCIT’s first Dean of the School of Business Management. He served on the executive of the Society of Management Accountants of BC and was their President in 1984. He received a Fellowship from the Society of Management Accountants of Canada in 1985, the highest award bestowed on any member, and became a life member in 1994. As an executive member of the Vancouver Board of Trade, he chaired the Commerce and Industry Committee. On retirement, he volunteered on the board of the 411 Seniors Society of BC, and was the Founding President of the BCIT Retirees Association, becoming a life member in 2002. Demonstrating his strong work ethic, he often held a second, part-time job to support his family. As a long term usher at the Pacific Coliseum, he enjoyed the perk of watching Canucks games during his evening shifts. Later, he joined SFU as an adjunct faculty member, teaching Financial Accounting. He continued teaching at SFU long after retiring from BCIT because he was so happy to be working closely with students again. Several students from BCIT and SFU stayed in touch with him over the years.

Over their 70 years of marriage, Ernie and Mary enjoyed travelling with friends and family and were fortunate to visit many places in every continent except Antarctica. Especially treasured holidays included several family Christmases in Mazatlan, and countless trips to the Sunshine Coast. Ernie was extremely proud of the cabin he and Mary built, where he spent hours “puttering” around in most of the building trades. This beautiful property in Sechelt remains in the family, and Ernie was able to travel there throughout his lifetime.

Ernie had an insatiable zest for life and boundless curiosity about people, places, and things. He enjoyed good food, good friends, a bad pun, and a generous pour of scotch. He loved his large and close family, proudly telling everyone he met about his 19 great grandchildren. Above all, he treasured his only true love, Mary, saying he would be lost without her. He left this world with his hand in hers, united until the last moment. Although he will be greatly missed, he will be remembered for his generosity, his warm heart, his many words, and the weight they carry.

Visitation Wednesday, March 19, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, Bell and Burnaby Funeral Chapel, 4276 Hastings St. Burnaby. Funeral Mass Thursday, March 20, 10:00 am at St. Helen’s Church, 3860 Triumph Street, Burnaby. Ernie will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery, 5455 Fraser Street, Vancouver (between 31st Avenue and 33rd Avenue), adjacent to his father and grandfather and near his mother and grandmother.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the BC Cancer Foundation, in his honour, would be appreciated.