Ernest Arthur RaLonde

Ernie was born on September 10, 1949 in Portland, Oregon and was the son of Ernest and Winifred (Woolsey) RaLonde. He graduated from David Douglas High School in 1967and attended Oregon State University where he studied Landscape Engineering.

On February 26, 1971, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He received an honorable discharge on September 20, 1971 in Portland, Oregon at the rank of Lance Corporal.

On December 4, 1971, he married Janelle Easley in Portland, Oregon. They were later divorced. On March 20, 1993, he married Anne Wells at a little chapel at Multnomah School of the Bible in Portland. He resided in East County with his family for many years spending 18 years in Gresham.

Ernie worked as a General Contractor and Superintendant for Waybo Incorporated in Portland for many years. He later worked as the Building Coordinator for OHSU and Doernbecher Children’s Hospital until his retirement in 2006. During his career, he was he was involved in the ground breaking for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and was a vital part of the design and construction of the hospital until its completion.

Ernie had many hobbies. He enjoyed gardening, building and collecting books. He was known as Mr. Fixit and loved to tinker and fix thing around the house. He had a great sense of humor, loved a good debate and enjoyed watching Fox News and listening to Glen Beck and Bill O’rielly. He also loved Mickey Mouse and his beagle, Snickers and his westie, Spunky.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Anne RaLonde of Gresham, daughter, Jennifer Coyle of Gresham and Sharon RaLonde of Gresham, son, Robert RaLonde of Gresham, step-daughter, Lori Beth Hestmark of Oak Harbor, Washington and step-sons Joseph Pitts of Portland and Michael Pitts of Portland, brothers, Ray RaLonde of Alaska and Jerry RaLonde of Portland and sisters, Cathy Feller of Portland and Toni Kahl of Portland along with 1 grandchild, Quinn Coyle and 8 step-grandchildren: Shane Pitts, Travis Wells, Shelby Pitts, Christopher Pitts, Levi Hestmark, Lucas Pitts and Bruce Hestmark.

A celebration of Ernest’s life will be on Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 7:00 pm at Greater Gresham Baptist Church. Visitation will be on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 from 10:00 am -5:00 pm at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home. Interment with military honors will be at Willamette National Cemetery on June 29th at 2:00 pm. Contributions may be made in memory of Ernest to Greater Gresham Baptist Church India Orphanage or to the OHSU School of Medicine Hepatitis Research Fund 1121 SW Salmon St. Portland, OR 97205.Bateman Carroll Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.