Ernie Lamont, also known as The Bacon Man, was a well-known figure in Windsor, Ontario, who ran for mayor and city council seats 10 times, sold meats from his advertisement-covered vehicles, and proposed many ideas to improve his beloved city.
He passed away on December 21, 2023, at the age of 76, after battling prostate cancer for more than a year. His death has left a void in the Windsor community, where he was admired for his passion, perseverance, and personality.
Who was Ernie Lamont ‘The Bacon Man’?
Ernie Lamont was born on March 12, 1940, in Windsor, where he spent most of his life. He married his wife Mary in 1965, and they had four children and nine grandchildren. Ernie was a devoted family man who loved spending time with his loved ones, especially during the holidays. He was also a generous and caring person who helped many people in need, whether by donating food, money, or his time.
Ernie was also a proud Windsorite who wanted to make his city a better place for everyone. He started his Bacon Man business in 1977, selling meats from his truck that was covered with advertisements from local businesses. He became a familiar sight on the streets of Windsor, where he greeted his customers with a smile and a joke.
Condolences to the family and friends of Windsor’s The Bacon Man … Ernie Lamont. A true Windsor original who loved our city and did his very best with what he had for all of us ❤️#thebaconman pic.twitter.com/bzxsSgkeBL
— J Fairley (@john__fairley) December 22, 2023
He also ran for various political offices, starting from 1988, when he ran for mayor for the first time. He ran for mayor six more times, and for city council four times, but never won a seat. However, he never gave up on his dreams and continued to share his ideas with the public.
A Visionary and a Character
Ernie had a vision for Windsor that was often unconventional and ambitious. He proposed many projects and initiatives that he believed would benefit the city, such as building a downtown aquarium, a mega-casino with an amusement park and a swimming pool on airport land, a monorail system, and a tunnel to Detroit. Ernie Lamont also claimed that he was responsible for bringing casino gambling and its thousands of jobs to Windsor by pitching the idea to city council in 1991. He said he had a knack for thinking outside the box and seeing the big picture.
Lamont was also a character who had a sense of humor and a flair for publicity. He often wore colorful outfits and hats, and drove around in his eye-catching vehicles. He also made headlines for some of his stunts, such as dressing up as Santa Claus and handing out candy canes to children, or riding a bicycle across the Ambassador Bridge to protest the high tolls. He was not afraid to speak his mind and challenge the status quo, even if it meant getting into trouble or controversy. He said he enjoyed being different and making people laugh.
Ernie Lamont Obituary
Ernie Lamont’s legacy is one of passion and care for his community and his family. He was a man who lived his life to the fullest and tried to make a difference in the world. He was a man who loved Windsor and its people and wanted to see it prosper and grow. He was a man who inspired many with his resolve and his spirit.
Lamont was honored by the City of Windsor with a certificate of recognition for his valuable role in the community, signed by Mayor Drew Dilkens. Dilkens called Lamont one of the city’s “fine characters” and thanked him for his efforts. He also said he wished him peace and satisfaction in the knowledge that he made a difference.
Ernie Lamont’s family and friends are mourning his loss, but also celebrating his life. They are remembering him as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. They are remembering him as a loyal Windsorite, a visionary, and a character. They are remembering him as The Bacon Man who loved Windsor.
