Dr. Ernest Lapchinski passed away July 7, 2024, with family by his side. He was 86.
He was born in Sudbury, Ont., on May 30, 1938, to Helen and Steve Lapchinski, who instilled a great sense of discipline, responsibility and love to him and his beloved siblings Ann Onyschuk and Ron Lapchinski. He spent time in Longlac, Ont., and during that time he fell in love with lakes, loons and the pine trees that became such an important and meaningful part of his life. Returning to Sudbury for high school, Ernest graduated at the top of his class and was chosen to tour Britain and Europe with the Red Cross, where he had the honour of spending time with Princess Margaret.
He attended University of Toronto and graduated from medical school in 1963. He loved being a doctor and was adored by his patients. In May 1963, he married Daria (Doreen) Shulha, who he had met in high school. She was also part of the vibrant Ukrainian community in Sudbury, which was very important to both of them.
On Lake Ramsey, they built a house, collaborating with the creative architect John Stefura, incorporating the landscape to dramatic effect. The Seagull House was home for 20 years and they raised four children there: Ivan, Mareka, Larissa and Andreka. For Ernest, the arts weren't just a passion, they were important and necessary to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. He shared this passion with his children, making it a part of their daily experience to learn about music, dance, and art in every medium.
In 1986, Ernest moved back to Toronto and opened a medical practice on Wellesley Street. He was part of a group of six doctors who did not shy away from treating patients with AIDS during the crisis in the 1980s.
Upon retiring, he designed and built his dream house in Cloyne, Ont., on Lake Mississagagon. He enjoyed 25 years there gardening, canoeing, waterskiing, walking in the woods and calling to the loons. His extensive volunteer work in the community included preparing and serving meals for those in need. As a board member for the Pine Meadow Nursing Home, he was instrumental in securing financing to build the centre and helped fashion its beautiful gardens and landscaping.
A great lover and collector of art, Ernest helped organize and run the Bon Echo Art Show held every summer at the famous park with over 70 artists participating. He was so proud of this work and the success of the show, which helped launch and develop many talented Canadian painters, photographers, potters, sculptors and craftspeople.
During this time he satisfied his curiosity and wonder of the world by traveling to some exotic places. The humbling Egyptian pyramids, the majestic African safari, and the ancient temples of Greece and Cambodia were some of his favorites.
When taking care of the lake house became challenging, Ernest moved to the Loyalist Community of Bath, Ont., in 2017. He quickly made new friends and spent his last years playing bridge, hosting and attending dinner parties, sharing his music and art collection, singing in the local choir, and of course, volunteering. He was very grateful for this unexpected, but so welcome, time of deep connection, supportive care and great fun that the wonderful people in this community offered.
My father felt culture was paramount and art necessary and found a way to honour and share that wherever he went. He was a fantastic dancer and loved to sing. He had strong opinions and debated often. He wondered at the world daily and expected others to join him and, if they didn’t, he did his damnedest to inspire them.
For him volunteering was not only a perfect opportunity to connect with people in a meaningful way, but the ultimate exercise in democracy. He believed that when you volunteer, you are voting for the kind of community you want to live in every time you show up.
Ernest was so proud of, and impressed by, his five grandchildren: Jacob, Semara, Kyra, Sasha and Malcolm. They are all creative, intelligent, young humans who sparkle daily in their respective passions. They are his greatest legacy.
When he passed away, the only personal item he was wearing was the bracelet his granddaughter had made of cedar beads and colourful letters spelling the word, WONDER.