Cousin Ernie was the cool older cousin. He excepted everyone as they were. When I was a jerk of a teen with the hippie clothes and long hair, he always treated me like the cousin he had known since we were little. My fondest memory of him was when I was about 14, he had this really cool car with a great 4 track. We were at a BBQ at Uncle Tito's house with a bunch us relatives and great Mex food. He told me to go sit in his car and start the tape player, that I would love what I hear. So I get in and star the player, Boom, it was Jimi Hendrix first album. I was floored. Never heard the sounds I was hearing before. He knew music and cars for sure. I haven't seen Ernie in decades, but he is blood and I will remember him with much love and respect. GOD Bless you Ernie and see you later.

Cousin Jim Gonzalez

I look back over the years on moments with my Uncle Ernie. Playing t-ball in the front yard, giving me driving lessons, and making sure my boyfriend (now husband) knew he had to pass the 3rd degree with him as well as my dad.  There was a sternness in his manner at times that was balanced out at the end of each conversation with a “take care mija”. Love was at the core of it all. I’ll miss you Uncle Ernie. 

I’m going to miss you a lot Big Ern. You were a great man who served his country and loved his family. When I first met you and Liz it was about seven years ago or so when I first started dating Lindsay. I came to pick her up for a date and I called you Ernesto. You immediately corrected me and didn’t think it was so funny. You loved Lindsay like she was your own daughter and I was just some punk. We didn’t bond instantly on the little things, I couldn’t keep up with your in-depth Dodger knowledge whatsoever. But I eventually won you over as my relationship with Lindsay progressed and as I got to know the family on a deeper level. You always were the host with the most at every Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthday, and any other family gatherings at the house I was lucky enough to be a part of. I’d always look forward to evenings with you, Liz, Tera, Rich, and Lindsay because I knew it meant we would be laughing, eating, and drinking long into the night. I’ll miss cracking jokes with you, sharing barbecue tips with you, talking about music and Seinfeld with you, and yelling at golfers while watching the Master’s with you. I really wish we could have played a round of 18 holes, I think we would have had a blast. It won’t feel the same without you. Thanks for making me feel so welcomed and a part of the family. I’ll miss you big guy.

Ernie,
I’m so thankful you came into our lives and loved my mom the way you did. You were a great role model and I always appreciated how much you loved and took care of tera and I as though we were your own. We have countless memories that I will cherish forever. I’ll miss talking to you about movies, tv shows, and music. I’ll miss your cooking/bbqing. I’ll miss your antics. I’ll miss your laugh and I’ll miss your hugs. 
I love you so much Ernie and you will be in our hearts forever. 
Xoxo
Your mija Linds


Over 70 years ago, bells rang as a nation welcomed a crown prince and three days later in a section of San Pedro called La Rambla, a bonfire was lit to welcome the first grandchild of Pedro and Sara Gonzales, Ernest. 

The talk of the family at the time was that a prince was born in England and three days later, a pauper was born in La Rambla. 

Ernie was by no means a pauper.  He was talented, athletic and handsome. He was rich with long lasting friendships and acquaintances. He was the Gonzales family prince. 

So with that in mind, we feel that a line from Shakespeare's Hamlet is appropriate at this time. 

"Now cracks a noble heart.—Good night, sweet prince,
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!"

We love you Ernie. We will miss you always. 

Morones Cousins 

Ernie,
You are missed. You loved my Aunt Liz (we all could see that) and always looked after Lindsay and Tera, for which we are forever grateful. I remember when we first met, back in 2004, at my mom’s house in Covina. We had just bought a stationary bike and you eagerly hopped on. I think you were trying to impress Aunt Liz because you turned the resistance up to 10 and started pedaling away. After a couple of minutes went by and the huffing and puffing started, I thought to myself, “man, he must really adore Aunt Liz”; that sentiment never changed. We have countless memories of family gatherings where you played co-host. You always checked on everyone, made sure the beers were cold, had a sports game on in the extra room, and always let us know when the cheeseburgers were ready. Another thing I appreciated was that you continually looked out for our grandma, helping her in and out of the car or house and making sure she was taken care of. I think that was just a testament to who you were.  You were caring, funny, and real; you didn’t sugarcoat things, and I appreciated that about our conversations. I enjoyed talking about the Dodgers with you each season- the good and the bad, even when we’d disagree about certain players. We talked a lot about golf and I wish that we could have made it out to Oak Quarry. Amber reminded me that you always called us and our kids, “mijo” and “mija”, and that brought a smile to our faces; another example of how you cared for all of us. You and Aunt Liz were there when Benjamin was born and we're happy Emily got to meet you too.  There are many things that will make all of us think of you and that just goes to show that you were an important part of our lives. Thank you for your service to our country, for being an example of how to treat your family, and for the time we had together. Here’s to you! 

Jon-Michael, Amber, Benjamin & Emily Hattabaugh

Rest In Peace dear Ernie. 

You will always be in our hearts. 

Ralph Morones 

I met Ernie for the first time on his wedding day to his fabulous wife, Liz. I remember him looking so proud and so happy standing at the altar next to his sons. I can still picture how he looked because it struck me at the time how filled with love this man clearly was. I am grateful that Ernie was in my life from that point on. He certainly was a man filled with love. He was always so kind and generous and took care of everyone! Years after Ernie and Liz’s wedding day, Ernie and Liz were a big and important part of  Brice’s and my wedding day! Not only did it mean so much to both of us to have them there, but I am not sure the tent would have been set up for our wedding if Ernie hadn’t been there to help make everything come together! Ernie just always knew what to do to take care everything and everyone!

Ernie, I will forever be grateful that you are part of my family. 
Love,
Christie 

Ernie,
From the moment I came into Tera's life I was welcomed with open arms by you and Liz into your home. You were so gracious, generous and always made sure I had a full belly :) You would often say to me in Spanish after my first plate, "más más come más" lol! I always felt welcome and I felt you treated me as if I was one of your son's, which was so inspiring and loving. It is a testament to the type of man that you are. I will always be grateful that you gave me that. I am blessed to have spent many Christmases, Thanksgivings, Birthdays and "Just-Because" days with you and the family. Thank you for the Dodger talks, the golf outings and most importantly the laughter. I will miss you Ernie. WE LOVE YOU very much.  Godspeed! 

Your Son-In-Law, 
-Richard Marquez

Open Letter to Our Brother-In-Law:
Ernie,
First and foremost, thank you for taking care of and loving Liz.  You made her life happy and complete.  How fortunate for Tera and Lindsay to have had you in their lives, loving them as your own daughters.  One of the many fond memories we share is how  you made our family feel so warmly welcomed during the various holiday gatherings at your home.  We can still see you in your Dodger t-shirt and cooking apron working tirelessly to prepare and serve the meal and to make sure everyone had anything and everything they needed.  Lastly, your love for family did not go unnoticed, in fact it left all of us something to strive for.  You will forever be missed.  God Bless You!
Forever In Our Hearts,
Tim and Yvonne

Ernie you were a wonderful stepfather to Lindsay and I. Always looked out for us and treated us like your own daughters (especially when we stayed out a little too late). You always made sure everyone around you was having a good time and was taken care of.  I will miss exploring your mom and pop restaurants and your BBQing. Thank you for loving my mom and making her feel so special. Love you and miss you always. 
Tera

Ernie was a good man, brother-in-law and a loving husband to my sister Liz. Ernie was always good to our mother and made sure she was never wanting of anything.
One fond memory Hazel and I shared with Ernie, was watching the Dodgers win the National league pennant at Lindsey's birthday party. The photo below is from our mothers 80th birthday party. We have many more memory's of Ernie enjoying himself at family gatherings. 

Ernie,
We love and miss you.
Marty and Hazel

 


My beloved husband Ernie, 
The years we shared were the most wonderful and cherished of my life. I will miss you dearly, I will cry for you often, but most of all I will always love you. I can't wait till I see you again and you take my hand in yours.
Your devoted and loving wife, Lizzy

Ernie was one of the most important people in my life.  My first year at a new school he was a big brother and mentor in my teen age years when I needed one most.   His example as an athlete, Vietnam war veteran and patriot set the bar high for the rest of us especially when we were younger.   He was a fine father and loving husband as exemplified by his beautiful family.  At the same time Ernie was cool.  He drove a 64 Chevy Impala with “Astro Supreme” wheels, he dressed sharp and of course he was a handsome man. Ernie could also cook, he was famous for his delicious Green Chile.  Ernie introduced us to the “hot” music trends and newest stereo equipment on the planet.   We all wanted to keep up with Ernie.  We wanted to be cool too.   He showed us the way.     When Ernie became ill, I made a point to go visit him.   This is what I said.  Thank you for sticking up for me all those times, thank you for showing me the way, thank you for being my friend and most importantly, I love you Ernie.   

OBITUARY

Ernie Gonzales

17 November, 1948 – 26 February, 2019

Oakdale Mortuary & Memorial Park

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