Ernst Bleichert
1938 – 2025
Born in 1938, Ernst Bleichert was the first child of his German family to be born on Canadian soil — a fact he carried with deep pride, honoring both the land of his birth and the homeland of his parents.
His father built their first home on McDonald Avenue in Montreal, and it was there that Ernst met his lifelong friends. Together, they played hockey in McDonald Park and tried (with limited early success) to convince girls to hold their hands. But by 1959, Ernst had won the heart of Anne Parker. They married and went on to have three children.
Ernst is survived by his son, Peter Bleichert, and his daughter, Jennifer Bleichert Lefferts. He is also survived by his brothers, Alfred and Robert.
Known to many as “Ernie,” he was the first in his family to attend university — a dream he pursued with pride and determination. From Westhill High School in Montreal, Ernst went on to study at Sir George Williams University, then earned a master’s degree at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
When asked who inspired him most, he would name two mentors: Dr. George H.N. Towers from Montreal, who taught him plant biochemistry and encouraged him to pursue graduate studies, and Arthur Niche in Halifax. With their encouragement, Ernst went on to complete a PhD in Plant Physiology at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. His time at Cornell was one of the most memorable periods of his life.
In 1971, newly minted PhD in hand, Ernst packed up his young family and moved to Germany, where he taught at the Universität Bochum for two years. He had always wanted to return to the country his parents left behind, and the time he spent immersed in German culture was deeply meaningful to him.
Upon returning to Canada, Ernst began what would become a 40-year career as a professor. He taught primarily at Vanier College in Montreal, where he shared his love of biology, biochemistry — and, in a progressive move for the time — human sexuality. Ernst was one of the first professors in the area to offer a course on sex and love, and he loved teaching it. His students did, too.
One of Ernst’s favorite authors was Leo Buscaglia, whose writings on love and human connection deeply influenced his outlook on life. Ernst didn’t just teach facts — he taught how to live, how to love, and how to be present with others.
His love of teaching was matched only by his love of travel. Every summer, after the last paper was graded, he would pack up the camper and take his family on the road. In later years, he traveled the world with Anne, always making time to visit San Francisco multiple times a year to see his grandchildren — Kyra, Leffert, and Maxwell Lefferts — and watch them grow from spirited seedlings into thoughtful, kind adults. Christmas was never complete without them. Uncle Pete, traveling from Toronto, also played a central role in these cherished family gatherings.
Ernst loved life. He loved art, music, road trips, good conversation, and above all — people. He connected easily and deeply, and those who knew him were better for it.
We say goodbye with a quote Ernst cherished — words that speak to the way he lived, and the way he’ll be remembered:
“I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.”
—Leo Buscaglia
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