Vernon Edward Ens unexpectedly passed away at home in Surrey, B.C on November 11, 2021.  He was 50 years old.

Vernon is survived by his parents Henry Ens and Nellie Sitnik both residents of British Columbia; several siblings on both the East and West coasts of Canada, two aunts, many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends living all over Canada, the US, the UK, and Europe.  He was predeceased by his first partner in life Becky Yue in 2008 and his older brother Karl Ens in 2013. 

There is much to fondly remember of Vernon’s too short time on this earth:

Vernon was a lover of books and reading. Self-educated in life, and largely self-taught in the pursuit of perfection in his work and hobbies, Vernon’s interests ranged widely from history to philosophy, an interest in other cultures, and a search for spiritual meaning beyond the secular.

Vernon loved woodworking, which interest included the exotic tree varieties; and whose mastery of carpentry resulted in many beautifully crafted objects.  He was an amazing artist in his chosen vocation of autobody repair, studying his craft in both Chicago, Illinois, and at the Porsche Academy in Ontario, California.  His dream was to one day work at the main Porsche factory in Germany.   Vernon custom made many of the tools of his trade and was known for being able to handmake parts no longer available for restoration of classic cars.

He loved music and the outdoors.  A boyhood interest in the accordion let to a life-long love of music and his devotion to this instrument to the time of his passing. This penchant including cultivating a collection of heavy metal groups and artists that featured the accordion in their music.  Going for long walks with a good cup of coffee and his tunes was a daily activity.

Vernon’s at times gruff exterior was matched with a self-deprecating sense of humour, and was always tempered by a kind heart and empathy for others, especially those less fortunate in life.  Vernon’s kind personality was reflected by his love of animals, including his pet pug, Abraham (aka: “Abe”). Vernon’s concern  for the environment included his worry for all creatures that inhabit our planet.  His welcoming nature led him to embrace friendships both new and old. His love of cooking and entertaining will bring back many a fond memory of open gatherings from days past.

Vernon will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all who loved and befriended him.  This writer will particularly miss our frequent conversations, and the sharing of both the mundane and the profound; the funny, odd, and interesting--that was Vernon, always sparked by his sense of curiosity and wonder. 

In view of the challenges of Covid-19 and the many recent weather and climate-related challenges to those living in the Lower Mainland, there will be no funeral or memorial service.  Vernon would have preferred that all who knew him to sooner raise a glass (be it coffee, water, beer, or something more), put on a track or two of Quadrophenia, Alestorm, the William Tell Overture, or whatever music sends you on your journey to the sublime, and dwell on fond memories and happy times.