Ernest L Freitas, 92, passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife Pat by his side, on May 29, 2011, after a long battle with bone cancer.

“Ernie” was born on June 30, 1918, in Stockton, Calif., to John and Mamie Frietas.

Ernie graduated from Stockton High School in 1939 and he went on to complete a two year study in business law, business management and sales management at Humphrey Business College, also in Stockton.

Ernie enlisted in the Army Air Corp and served proudly as a staff sergeant from 1942 until 1946. While serving, he took a course at National Tools of L.A. to hone his skills as a vehicle mechanic for the Air Corp.

Ernie spent 15 years with Hastings Manufacturing Company in California. He became district manager of their Northern California/Nevada region and earned numerous awards for service excellence and was named salesman of the year on more than one occasion.

In 1966, Pat and Ernie were married. After a visit to Whidbey Island, Ernie and Pat decided to make Oak Harbor their new home. In 1987, along with son Steve, they moved to the island. They have celebrated 44 years of marriage.

Once on the island, Ernie worked periodically at Ace Hardware. He also enjoyed gardening and home improvement projects.

Ernie was a past member of Whidbey Golf and Country Club and was a charter member of the Elks Lodge in Vacaville, Calif. He was also a member of the Whidbey Presbyterian Church in Oak Harbor.

Ernie is survived by his wife Pat, son Steve, son Don by a previous marriage, stepsons Gary and Jack, also sister Lillian and nieces, Sandy and Debi, as well as five grandchildren.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mamie, his brother Jack, sister Lorraine and a son, Bob, from a previous marriage.

A Celebration of Life for Ernie will be held Thursday, June 30, at 11 a.m. at Whidbey Presbyterian Church, 1148 SE Eighth Ave. in Oak Harbor. A reception will immediately follow at Heritage Hall, which is adjacent to the church. Please join us on what would have been Ernie’s 93rd birthday!

Memorial donations on Ernie’s behalf may be made to the American Cancer Society for continued research in finding a cure for cancer.