Ernest A. Duquet, deeply loved husband, father and grandfather died Tuesday, June 19th at Cape Cod Hospital after a brief illness. It was his 89th birthday. Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1923, Ernest grew up there and had many fond memories of his friends and family from that time. He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Blanche, and his brother, Wally.

Ernest enlisted in the army in 1942 and was later stationed at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. One December evening in 1944 at the USO in New York City he met Dorothy Reuter who became his beloved wife of 66 years. Ernest is survived by Dorothy, his two daughters, Barbara and Virginia, Barbara’s partner, Dexter, Virginia’s husband, David, and his grandchildren, Emma and Travis. He also leaves the many friends and colleagues whose respect and affection he earned and truly valued throughout his life.

Ernest was a proud graduate of Wayne State University and a member of Tau Beta Phi. He had a long career as a systems engineer including 25 years at the Mitre Corporation. His greatest accomplishments, however, came from his life long passionate commitment to improve the world around him. During his life he supported many progressive political and social causes. Since retiring to Cape Cod in 1985 Ernest became very concerned with the environment. He introduced and championed the cause of environmentally sustainable economic growth through many activities and organizations. Most notably, Ernest founded the Cape Cod Center for Sustainability and served as its president for many years. More recently, he and other concerned citizens created a group called Wake Up Cape Cod to promote political awareness and engagement.

Ernest loved to travel, especially back to Paris with Dorothy where they were married and lived for a short time after the war. He became an avid sailor who happily steered his sloop, Hallelujah, through the waters around Massachusetts and Maine. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends. Ernest truly loved having lively discussions, swapping stories, and meeting new people. He was honest and steadfast in his commitments. He had a wonderful sense of humor and an enthusiastic laugh. He will be missed deeply by his family and friends and fondly remembered by many others.

At Dorothy’s request there will be no formal services. Anyone who would like to offer support, condolences or share their memories of Ernest are welcomed and encouraged to do so by sending cards and visiting the on-line memorial website we created in Ernest’s honor at http://ernest-duquet.virtual-memorials.com. Donations in Ernest’s memory can be made to Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod 411 Main St. Yarmouthport, MA 02675 and will be used to foster Habitat’s green building initiatives here on the Cape.