Ernesto Matignas Llagas

Beloved Kaka, Tatay, Lolo, Tito, Kuya, Erning, and Baluga to family and friends, he was born in Baras, Rizal, the Philippines on the 19th of December 1944 to Antonio and Paula Llagas.

Erning earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in Accountancy from the Far Eastern University in the Philippines in 1964. He met his wife of 50 years, Josefina, in 1968 and married her in 1969. In the Philippines, he went to work at the Civil Aeronautics Board, while being an entrepreneur.

In 1996, he joined Josefina in Canada and they made Vancouver home. He worked in various jobs, including as a maintenance person in several companies, as a stocker at Kin’s Farm, and as a fish processor at Bella Coola Fisheries and later, Ocean’s.

But it would be more apt to call Erning a fisher of friends. He was quick to make friends because he was a bright soul. He loved teasing people and telling them stories, which he pulled from his incredible memory. He also spread happiness through his big laughter. It’s easy to remember his smile, because he was always smiling. Erning retained this signature jolliness and calm, even as he courageously fought his last battle in this life.

Erning was also quick to make friends because he was a welcoming and generous spirit. He never hesitated to offer his time and effort to help others. He was everyone’s chauffer, and he was the best driving instructor, even if he didn’t always follow road rules. He was confident and optimistic, and even as ailment took its toll on his earthly body, he remained positive and never forgot about the wellbeing of others.

In addition to his love for people, he also loved a good time. That included anytime he could help cook and share his favourite dishes with family and friends, or when he could go fishing or crabbing. Known to be stylish, he loved to collect hats and shoes. His trademark outfit is forever etched in the minds of loved ones: sweater, polo, hat, and sunglasses. He was a “professional” at solitaire and Mahjong, and he collected card decks from casinos as well as jars of coins. He was also entertained by Keno, and lately, online sabong.

Erning is survived by his wife Josefina; daughters Jocelyn “Jojo” Mitchell (Jason Mitchell) of Calgary and Joyce “Jhoan” Robles (Ronald “Nixon” Robles) of Vancouver; grandchildren Jenyna and Jheleyse Mitchell and Roxanne “Roxy” and Reanne “Yanyan” Robles; and siblings Jaime, Teresita, Romeo, Renato, Eduardo, Josephine, Evelyn, Erlina, Bayani, and Jun. He is fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews, relatives, and countless friends.

A viewing for Ernesto will be held on Thursday, the 3rd of December 2020, at Hamilton Harron Funeral Home on 5390 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC. A mass will also be held for him on Friday, the 4th of December 2020, at Saint Andrew’s Parish at 474 47th Avenue East, Vancouver, BC. The mass will be followed by his interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Park at 3789 Royal Oak Avenue, Burnaby, BC. Because of provincial health restrictions, these events will be private and by-invitation only. The family thanks everyone for their understanding.

The family asks that people keep the memory of Erning alive by honouring his happy spirit, big laughter, and calm demeanor in our daily lives. May we be comforted by some of his words in his last days, when asked his daughter to tell his brothers and sisters that his life has been happy and that he knew many cherished him. As he always used to say: “It’s okay.” We know he’s now more than okay, free of pain in the presence of our Father.