Ernest Eugene Patti

      If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Ernest Eugene Patti. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Ernie was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

      Ernie was born on at home in Portland, Oregon. He was the son of Angelo and Helen Patti. Ernie was raised in Portland, Oregon. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Ernie was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Ernie's personality throughout his life.

      Though Ernie was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Ernie was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Ernie worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Ernie was raised with one sibling. He has one sister, Lillian. Ernie and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Ernie was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Ernie was always tactful. One thing Ernie will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Ernie had a number of interests and was an active child. Ernie took part in girls.

      For Ernie, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Ernie was also adept at details. Ernie was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      There was one thing that all of Ernie's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Ernie was such a popular person throughout his life. But Ernie was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Ernie was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Ernie was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Ernie was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Ernie was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Ernie made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. One of his best friends was, Fritz.

      Ernie was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Ernie cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On May 1, 1989 Ernie married His first wife, Barbara. Barbara preceded Ernie in death. Barbara died, October 1982. Ernie married Darlene Young on May 1989 at the American Legion Hall in Milwaukie, Oregon. Compassionate and devoted, Ernie worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to Ernie and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Ernie was blessed with 4 children, Jeff, Jan, Jolie, Jill, and 3 step-children,Tammy, Kim and Robin. They were also blessed with 4 grandchildren, Michael, Christopher, Alec, Cole, and 4 step-grandchildren, Jennifer, Dustin, Jeremy and William. Ernie was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Ernie was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Ernie would listen before he would act.

      Taking his work seriously came naturally to Ernie, and he expected the same from those around him. Ernie was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Ernie was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Ernie handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was at the Post Office. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

      Blessed with a practical nature, Ernie was a person who appreciated the routine of the military. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. Ernest was an Army veteran. He was stationed in Hawaii. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Tech Sergeant. He received several awards including a four medals.

      A methodical man, Ernie enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were gambling, dancing, singing and flirting with the ladies.

      Ernie was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Ernie was always enthusiastic and a great team player. In high school, Ernest sang in the choir. Recreational sports included mall walking in the last few years. Ernie also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football, baseball and college basketball.

     His keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Ernie to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because he was outgoing and worked well with others, Ernie did his fair share of volunteer work. And he wouldn't shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. He was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Throughout his later years, Ernest was an active member of the Elks Club and the American Legion.

      Since it was easy for Ernie to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Ernie was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1988. His new life involved staying in Portland, Oregon. In retirement, he found new pleasure in walking. Even in retirement, Ernie stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

      Ernie passed away on March 29, 2009 at Menlo Park Health Care in Portland, Oregon. Ernest passed away from complication of pneumonia. He is survived by children; Jeff, Jan, Jolie and Jill and grandchildren; Michael, Christopher, Alec and Cole Services were held at Gateway Little Chapel of the Chimes. Ernest was laid to rest at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.

      Ernie was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Ernie was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Ernest Eugene Patti.