Anis (Ernie) Zeitoun lived a big life, and he leaves behind an even bigger legacy – one of generosity and commitment to family and community.
Ernie's relationship with the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) began over 2 years ago when he and his niece and nephew, Randa and Francis Zeitoun, approached CCS about donating to cancer research. For Ernie, this blossoming partnership was personal, having lost 3 brothers to cancer.
Ernie passed away before he could see his gift come to fruition, but in the final months of his life, he worked with his family and CCS to create a plan.
“He wasn't concerned with seeing it while he was living, as long as it was done. It’s a wish that we want to follow through on,” said Francis.
“He was very happy that near the end he was able to [give] to causes that impacted our family.”
Ernie’s story began humbly. Forced to leave his homeland of Nazareth and start over in Canada, he overcame cultural and language barriers to build a successful career in government.
“He created something from nothing. He built his wealth himself, and he was proud of that,” said Randa.
Though Ernie was proud of his success and enjoyed the finer things in life, he never lost sight of what he truly valued: family and generosity.
After his passing, CCS continued working with Ernie’s family to fulfill his wish to support cancer research. For Francis and Randa, this process is about more than just fulfilling Ernie’s wish; it’s also a way to keep their uncle’s memory alive.
“We'll be able to look back [on this]. If it's on the website, we could pull it up. If there's a plaque, it will be there. We can share that with my kids and their kids, as time goes on. We'll know there's a place for him, where he contributed and made a difference,” said Francis.
Reflecting on the process of legacy giving, Francis and Randa suggest that planning is key. Making sure that your wishes are known ensures that your impact will be carried out as you intended. When asked what advice their uncle might give to others if he were here, Francis and Randa shared that he would say “do it from your heart.”
That is how Ernie Zeitoun lived his life, and his legacy is exactly as his gravestone reads: “I did it my way.”
