Millard Ernie Ernest Conway Sr.

Millard Ernest “Ernie” Conway, Sr., passed away peacefully after a short illness on January 11, 2016, near his home in Tucson, Arizona. He was 89. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary in 2000, and he is survived by his son, Ernie Jr., daughter Marilyn, grandson Thomas, granddaughter Jami, and two great-granddaughters.

Ernie was born in Shelbyville, Indiana, on August 16, 1927. He joined the Navy at age 17 and served his country on a heavy cruiser during World War II. Although he rarely talked about what he experienced during the war, he was a proud veteran of the U.S. military. He met Mary Miller, the love of his life, in 1956, when both worked at the Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon, where he worked in the storeroom and she worked as an elevator operator. They were married on October 20, 1957 in Portland. He worked for Consolidated Freightways in the print shop for 28 years before retiring in 1988. Ernie and Mary raised their two children at a farm on five acres in Aurora, Oregon. Ernie spent much of his free time working on repairs and remodeling of the family home, tending the garden, and keeping various animals, from chickens to goats.

He showed his determination and tenacity when he earned his GED after retiring, fulfilling a dream he had held since leaving school to join the Navy. Ernie was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, known for his kindness, cheerful humor, and faithful heart. Ernie enjoyed bowling, gardening, an occasional game of golf, and game nights with his family, when his competitive spirit was on display to the amusement of his wife and children. He was active in his church and his community, always willing to lend a hand to someone in need, whether it be offering someone a ride, installing a water heater, or replacing a roof. No task was too small for Ernie’s boundless generosity. After he retired, Ernie found a new hobby: he took great joy in playing the video game “The Legend of Zelda” with his grandson Thomas, who proudly helped Grandpa through the same difficult parts as he played the game over and over. After the death of his beloved wife, Ernie moved to Tucson for the warmer climate. His daughter Marilyn joined him there in 2011 and was his tireless caretaker as his health declined in recent years.

Ernie will be buried next to his wife in Willamette National Cemetery after a private family service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to a veteran’s charity of your choice.