Ervin Lester Wetherbee, Jr. passed away Sept. 5. 2008, at Whidbey General Hospital. He was born Nov. 11, 1950, in Pendleton, Ore., to Ervin Sr. and Stella Nellie Jones Wetherbee. After graduating from high school in Dufur, Ore., in 1968, he joined the Navy and served his country in Vietnam. Ervin worked in the production of aluminum and as a conductor for the Burlington Northern Railroad. Ervin loved his family. He especially loved his grandchildren. They made him smile. He also loved to barbecue and tend his garden. He enjoyed reminiscing and arguing with “Grandma.” They would enjoy a beer and talk about everything, not always agreeing.

Ervin is survived by six daughters, Tanya and Jodie, both of Dufur, Susan (Donny) Banes, Nikki (Michael) Ralston and Rochelle (Nate) Hime of Oak Harbor, and Reanna (Gavin) Hall of Lincoln City, Ore.; one sister, Wanda (Walt) Lucas of Hood River, Ore.; nine grandchildren and a favorite nephew, Duane “Sam” Lucas. 

The family will celebrate Ervin’s life and love by having a Barbecue Open House at the family home on Sunday, Sept. 14. His favorite quote from Jeff Foxworthy was “Sensuous.”  Butch would translate this as “Since you all are here … have a beer on me.”  Arrangements are with the assistance of Whidbey Memorial Funeral and Cremation Service Inc., Oak Harbor. Friends may sign the online register by going to www.whidbeymemorial.com.