Chris F Ernst

Chris Ernst, 85, of Oak Harbor, passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2014. He was born to the late Chris F. and Tonnette Ernst on April 20, 1929, in Oak Harbor, WA. He married Jo Vande Werfhorst in 1947. He was proud to be a lifelong resident of Oak Harbor. Chris was a Darigold home milk deliveryman, a painter at Oak Harbor School District, and he owned a custom meatcutting business. He enjoyed 40 years of service at the Oak Harbor Fire Department, achieving the rank of Assistant Chief. Chris always had an infectious smile and was passionate about helping others. He enjoyed painting, woodworking, answering fire calls, meat cutting, doing odd jobs for friends and neighbors, and spending time with family. He was also an active member of the Whidbey Presbyterian Church. Chris was a delightful, happy, hardworking family man who will be missed by all who knew him.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Adrianna, and his brother Garrett. Chris is survived by his beloved wife, Jo, his brother John Brady of Bothell, WA, two children: Ron (Jan) Ernst and Christy (Scott) Barney, both of Oak Harbor; five grandchildren: Gayle (Mike) Sholtz of Spokane, WA, Greg (Kristy) Barney of Bayview, WA, Debbie (Brian) Bothwell of Hailey, ID, Lisa Ernst of Oak Harbor, and Brian (Vanessa) Ernst of Newberg, OR; and seven great-grandchildren: Chloe, Cassie, & Claire Scholtz, Lukas & Elijah Barney, Jaren & Christian Bothwell, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to offer thanks for loving care provided by Dr. Lee Roof and the Hospice team of Whidbey General Hospital. Memorial Funds have been established at the Whidbey Presbyterian Church and at the Oak Harbor Fire Department.

A service celebrating Chris’ life was held at the Whidbey Presbyterian Church in Oak Harbor on Monday, November 24, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Hallack Greider officiating following a fire truck procession to the graveside.