Ernest Bristol Wright passed away Sept. 1, 2007 at his home in Coupeville. He was born Jan. 5, 1929 in Asheville, N.C., to Ernest B. and Mary Sue (Wall) Wright and lived in western North Carolina throughout his childhood.
Ernie joined the U.S. Navy in 1946 and served as an aviation electrician in Florida, California, Hawaii, Alaska and Whidbey Island. After an honorable discharge in 1949, he returned to North Carolina to begin college. He married Georgia Mae Wilson in 1952. He graduated from North Carolina State University with a B.S. in Forestry Management in 1954.
Upon graduation, Ernie and Georgia headed west where he worked for the U.S. Forest Service until his retirement in 1984. He worked in Klamath Falls, Union Creek and John Day, Ore. and in Marblemount, Ellensburg and Wenatchee, Wash. Once retired, he drove school bus in Ellensburg until moving to Coupeville in 1987. He continued driving for the Oak Harbor School District until 1996.
Ernie was preceded in death by both parents and his brothers Alton, Gene, and Dean. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Georgia, brothers Bill, Jimmy, and Jacob Wright and sister Janice Hollifield, and his children David (Glennda) of Coupeville, Don (Kathy) of Pasco, and Leslie of Coupeville, as well as seven grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren. Ernie took great joy in all his children and grandchildren.
Ernie enjoyed traveling, having been to every state in the U.S., and shared that love of travel with his children. He also loved photography, volleyball, the outdoors, aviation and was a championship horseshoe pitcher. He loved to read, especially history and westerns.
Friends and family appreciated his intellect, objectivity, curiosity and love for puns and corny humor. His children loved to provoke his infectious giggle. He was a natural teacher and role model for those fortunate to have known him.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice. There will be a memorial gathering at the Sierra Community Clubhouse, 2688 San Juan St., Coupeville, at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15. Military honors will be presented under the auspices of the NAS Whidbey Island Honor Guard. A private internment will be held for family.
