Ernest Verner Amundson

ERNEST "ERNIE" VERNER AMUNDSON January 27, 1919 ~ November 24, 2012 "His smile and wonderful sense of humor will be missed." Ernest "Ernie" Verner Amundson, 93, of Battle Ground, WA, passed away on Nov. 24, 2012. He was born in Miles City, MT on Jan. 27th, 1919 to Hans and Eva Amundson, the youngest of three children. Ernie was raised in Miles City and in 1935 at the age of 16, following the death of their father, he and older brother Edwin took over their fathers garbage route. The following year, Ernie joined the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) working in West Yellowstone, MT. He later decided to "ride the rails", and loved to tell stories of his adventures. Many years later he authored a book about his experiences. Ernie married June Brooks in 1938 in Lewiston, ID and in 1939 they moved to Battle Ground, WA, where he worked in construction and as a logger until employed by ALCOA (Aluminum Co. of America). He worked for ALCOA for thirty seven years. His career with ALCOA included a variety of jobs, the majority of which was as an overhead crane operator. Ernie had a great sense of humor and loved to surprise his co-workers by suddenly dangling a yo-yo on a long string in front of them, from his overhead crane position. He was a member of the Battle Ground Baptist Church and enjoyed photography as a hobby. He loved traveling with wife June in their motor home and exploring trails on his Honda 50. Ernie and June spent many happy hours riding horseback in the Mt. Adams wilderness area, The Pacific Crest Trail and The Round the Mt. Trail. He was past Trail Boss for the Washington Trail Riders Assn. and The Columbian River Appaloosa Club. Ernie helped form and was President of the Silver Spur Trail Riders during the 1960's. He was Assistant Wagon Master for the Washington 89 Centennial Wagon Train. Ernie and June also spent seven summers riding portions of the Chief Joseph Trail and one summer riding the Apache Land Ride out of Douglas, AZ. Ernie is survived by wife of 74 years, June; sons, Randy (Jackie) and Eric (Debbie); daughter, Teresa Bomar; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, on Fri., Nov. 30th at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice SW.

Ernest Verner Amundson

January 27, 1919 - November 24, 2012