Vine, Ernest C. 1930 - 2015

VINE, HANSON, PUTNAM, SANDERS, BABCOCK, ANDERSON

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 1/16/2015 at 17:00:32

Ernest C. Vine, 84, passed away Jan. 3, 2015, at Whatcom Hospice House with family by his side. A public viewing is from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at Hulbush Funeral Home, Burlington. A celebration of Ernie’s life is Friday, Jan. 16, at the Burlington Cemetery beginning at 11:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service at Burlington Lutheran Church at 1 p.m; a reception will follow.

He was born to Ernest W. Vine/Christine Vine (Hanson) June 10, 1930, in Decorah, the youngest of five children. He spent his childhood working on the family farm in Decorah and playing baseball. He served in the 26th Field Artillery Battalion of the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. He met the love of his life, Helen, in 1955, while visiting his sister. He Married Helen B. Pitman March 2, 1956, in Burlington. He worked at the Anacortes Plywood Mill and retired in 1988. Ernie was a member of the Elks and enjoyed 54 years dancing with Helen, which introduced them to lifelong friends. He spent 20-plus years traveling across country with their motorhome and enjoying the Thousand Trails campgrounds. Ernie will be remembered for his love of dancing, kindness, strong work ethics and unconditional love and devotion for his family. In his leisure time he enjoyed family camp trips, joking and playing with grandkids, dancing with Helen to their favorite big band, attending his kids’ and grandchildren’s sporting events, family outings at Lake Samish and chopping wood. Ernie was an active member of the Burlington Lutheran Church and spent many hours volunteering at the church and local food co-op.

He is survived by his children: Theresa (Roger) Sanders of Kennewick, Diane (Gary) Babcock of Sedro Woolley, Kimberly Vine of Camas, Randy (Rachelle) Vine of Ferndale; grandchildren: Alex and Emma Vine of Ferndale, Todd (Brooke) Anderson; and great-grandchildren: McKenna, Cody and Trae of Ferndale, Troy (Debbie) Anderson; and great-grandchildren: Hunter, Kennedy and Kamryn of Burlington; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters; wife, Helen, and grandson, Richard.

Memorial contributions can be made Whatcom Hospice House, Skagit Hospice or the Burlington Lutheran Church. A special thanks to ICU Unit at St Joseph Medical Center, Whatcom Hospice House and the staff at “Where the Heart Is.”

Source: Decorah Newspapers January 16, 2015