Chris Ernst, 85, of Oak Harbor, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014. He was born to the late Chris F. and Tonnette Ernst April 20, 1929, in Oak Harbor. He married Jo Vande Werfhorst in 1947.

He was proud to be a lifelong resident of Oak Harbor.

Chris was a Darigold home milk delivery man, a painter at the Oak Harbor School District and owner of a custom meat-cutting 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, Wash.; two children, Ron (Jan) Ernst and Christy (Scott) Barney, both of Oak Harbor; five grandchildren, Gayle (Mike) Sholtz, of Spokane, Wash., Greg (Kristy) Barney, of Bayview, Wash., Debbie (Brian) Bothwell, of Hailey, Idaho, Lisa Ernst, of Oak Harbor, and Brian (Vanessa) Ernst, of Newberg, Ore.; seven great-grandchildren, Chloe, Cassie and Claire Scholtz, Lukas and Elijah Barney, and Jaren and Christian Bothwell; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to offer thanks for the 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 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, at the Whidbey Presbyterian Church in Oak Harbor with Pastor Hallack Greider officiating, following a fire truck procession to the graveside.