SMITH, Ernie emil

Ernie, as he was known by all who knew him, passed away in La Grande, Ore., the evening of Sunday Sept. 30, 2012. There was a funeral service for Ernie on Saturday, Oct. 6, 11:30 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Baker City. Ernie had been a resident of Wildflower Lodge Assisted living center for three months after a fall occurred from which he did not recover. He had lived independently until that time, being watched over by his son and daughter in law, Larry and Deby Smith. Ernie was 94 years old. Ernest Emil Smith was born in Emmett, Idaho on Feb. 13, 1918. He was the seventh born of nine children to Martin and Nancy (Webb) Smith of Emmett, Idaho. Living in a rough and tumble home where his father, Martin, managed a boxing gym in their home basement. Ernie considered a career as a boxer but his mother refused to sign papers in which he would have become professional, as he was under age. He later said this really saved him from that world. After graduating from high school, and finding employment difficult to find, he followed his older brothers to Medical Springs, Oregon, where he found employment on a cattle ranch. His employer proved to be his future father-in-law, Robert Wanker. He married Hazel Ann Wanker in Emmett, Idaho in 1940. World II was just beginning and because of a health issue and a farm deferment, he worked on the farm and got a second job working in the Pondosa Mill making ammunition boxes at night. In 1944, he managed one of his father in law’s ranches and eventually bought the 6,000 acre parcel. The ranch became a destination for friends and family and many great times were had there. Their first son Gary was born in 1942 followed by Dallas three years later and Larry three years after that. Ernie was a very successful rancher, cowboy and farmer who loved his family and his job. Some said he looked like he was part of his horse by the way he rode and carried himself. He was always in good health and good spirits. He was trust-worthy and expected the same from his fellow man, although, it didn’t always happen. Hazel was in poor health much of her life and he stood by her side and cared for her through tough times. Even in their older age they would sit together holding hands. In 1972 the boys had moved on to other vocations rather than ranching and Ernie sold the ranch and bought a two unit apartment in Baker City, where they lived and rented out the other apartment. He later purchased 20 acres just north of Baker that had an existing home, which he rebuilt into their dream home. This was the home that most of the grandchildren and great grandchildren knew best and have the fondest of memories. They lived there peacefully until Hazel had to be moved to a private care home. The large family home became too much for him to handle and with the death of Hazel, he sold it and moved to La Grande, Ore., closer to Larry and Deby Smith where they could care for him. His health deteriorated to the point he had to be cared for in an assisted living center where he passed on peacefully on Sept. 30. He is survived by his sons and their wives, Gary and Judy, Dallas and Peggy both living in Utah and Larry and Deby, living in La Grande. Ernie and Hazel have ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren with two more great grandchildren that are due very soon. Ernie was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He had a giving personality and ready smile that will be missed by all who knew him. Memorial contributions in Ernie’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice through Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel 1500 Dewey Avenue, Baker City, OR 97814. The Record-Courier 10 October 2012