He spent his life in the Portland area. He was the son of Anna and Ernest Blatner who both came to the United States as German immigrants from Russia in the early 1900’s.
Ernie attended St Andrews, Jefferson High School, Portland University and Portland State. At Jefferson High School, he was the Varsity baseball pitcher where he made long time friendships with his competitors. He also played baseball for the City Beavers in College.
Starting out in the paper industry, he went through several mergers until given the job of uniting Carpenter Offutt and Blake Moffet and Town into the newly formed Unisource Paper Distribution Company. He ran Oregon, Southern Washington and Northern California until his retirement. He was much respected in the paper and printing industry.
Married to Carol Currier of Portland, they raised 7 children and were married 61 years. Family and faith were very important in his life.
He had a passion for sports and was always competitive. He had 2 holes in one in golf, one being at Waverley Country Club during a tournament. He loved and played tennis most of his life and went to the USTA Nationals with the Multnomah Athletic Clubs Men’s 55 and over team.
He was very supportive of his children’s schools and sports, as well as his grandchildren’s sports and activities. He volunteered as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army at Christmas.
Ernie is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Lynne (Scott) Terhune, Laura (Merril) Yazzolino, Jim (Kate) Blatner, Lanell (Hans) Nolf, Linda (Nathan) Wood, Neil (Elizabeth) Blatner, and Leann (David) Tourzan; 10 grandchildren; plus numerous niece and nephews.
Remembrances may be made in his name to Central Catholic or St Mary’s Academy High School.
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