Ernest Weil

Ernest Weil Born on Aug. 9, 1924 in Landau, Germany, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, July 31st, 2010. In 1938, Ernest, age 14, journeyed alone to Cuba aboard the ship The St. Louis, which was turned away from both Cuba and the U.S. The brave captain, Gustav Schroeder, refused Nazi orders to return the passengers to Germany. Forced to return to Europe, Ernest was allowed into France, at the orphanage, Montmorency. The Papaneks, the directors, helped Ernest in attending the Cordon Bleu Cooking School. In 1940, two weeks before the Nazis invaded Paris, he was on the last ship to leave France, arriving in NY; then to SF to join his brothers. Ernest often said that much of his success was due to luck and goodwill of others. Ernies baking career began at his mothers side. By 18, he managed Blums and at 24 he opened Fantasia, his dream bakery, employing the best bakers and most loyal workers. San Franciscans refer to Ernie as Mr. Fantasia who indulged them with mouth-watering sweets. Ernie was married to "his one and only" childhood sweetheart Margot for 64 years. They raised four daughters, teaching the importance of family, of giving to those less fortunate, and to be accepting of all people. Important to Ernie were the needs of children. In 1978, he founded a charity to raise money for the Frankel Center in Israel, treating children with learning disabilities. In 1989 Fantasia was sold. Later he became an author, publishing his famous recipes in Love to Bake Pastry Cookbook, with proceeds benefiting children's organizations. Ernie made the world a sweeter place, not only with the desserts he created, but also through his optimism, humor, generous spirit, hard work and his love of family and friends. He will be remembered by many. The family would like to thank his caretakers, the staff of the Stratford, family and friends for all the support. To celebrate Ernies life, please consider making a donation in his memory to American Friends of the Frankel Center, c/o K. Weil, 1209 Bonita Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709. He will be missed by his wife, Margot Weil, daughters Evie, Susie, Karen, and Sandy; son-in-laws Uri Rote, Charley Lakatos, Mark Morris; grandchildren Michali, Maya, Doron, Jenny, Jeff, Sam and Hanna, brothers Henry and Lewis Weil.