Ernesto Robles

Ernesto Robles, lovingly known as Ernie, was born in the vibrant city of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, to Jose Robles and Antonia Campos Robles. The eldest among six siblings—Bertha, Carol, Elosia, Ana, Carlos, and David—Ernie's early years were steeped in family warmth and the thrill of soccer, particularly cheering for his beloved Atlas team. One of his favorite childhood tales was sneaking into a sold-out match at Parque Felipe Martinez Sandoval Stadium on December 12, 1951, watching from behind a pillar as his Atlas team defeated Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas) for the championship. This cemented his lifelong passion for the sport and his precious Atlas Team. This passion bore fruit when, 71 years later, on May 29, 2022, although this time watching from the comfort of his couch, he witnessed Atlas defeat Pachuca to again become champions, his eyes filled with tears of joy. Growing up, he also cherished the times spent in Ajijic, learning about farming life with his godfather Joaquin. He enjoyed spending time on the goat farms there and learned how to milk them as well as some processes for making goat cheese. This experience deepened his connection to his Mexican heritage. His helpfulness around the house and with his siblings was something his mother, Antonia, always praised. At 13, Ernie moved to the United States. In his early teenage years, you would often find him fixing old cars with his father. Before he could drive, he taught himself to take apart a car and reassemble it without any instructions. When he wasn’t working on cars during his years in high school, Ernesto was known for his athletic abilities and was the star gymnast on his high school team. His most famous move was his iron cross on the rings. After graduating high school, when he reached the age of 18,, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Germany and becoming fluent in German and French. His military service took place from July 3, 1963, until July 2, 1966, earning him the National Defense Service Medal and a Sharpshooter Medal, and he cherished the friendships he made while there. He often spoke of his private stein locker at the Hofbräuhaus in Munich. Upon returning to the U.S., Ernie married Yolanda Carillo on July 20, 1968, embarking on a 56-year journey of love and family. He leaves behind three children, Aldo, Frank, and his daughter Mirella, who was the apple of his eye, along with four grandchildren, Angelic, Jasmine, Nathan, and Anthony.In the kitchen, Ernie was a maestro, not limited to Mexican cuisine but a global culinary artist. His dishes, whether French, Italian, German, Chinese, or various types of seafood, were uniquely prepared with love and history, making anyone who tasted them feel they hadn’t truly eaten before. In his professional life, Ernie became a Mechanical Engineer with Lever Brothers in 1969. He rose to the position of lead Mechanical Engineer, heading a team of mechanics responsible for keeping the factory's operations smooth for brands like Tide, Dove, and Snuggle. His dedication shone when he once personally fixed a broken conveyor belt, showcasing his technical prowess and commitment. He spent 27 years at Lever Brothers before the company moved out of state, choosing not to relocate as his heart and family were deeply rooted in Southern California. Ernie's hobbies were as diverse as his culinary talents; he was an exceptional salsa dancer, teaching his family many traditions and traits with grace and joy. His intellectual curiosity never waned, as evidenced by his subscription to a German newspaper for over 50 years, which he read from front to back, preserving his cultural ties to Germany. He enjoyed traveling and visiting family; wherever he arrived in a city or town, the entire place seemed to light up with his presence. In his later years, he expressed a desire to revisit his beloved Guadalajara, though he never managed to make the trip. Overall, Ernesto was known for his wisdom and humor. He always had something positive or humorous to say that would inevitably bring a smile to your face. He was a selfless and noble man who lived his life putting others' needs before his own. We all forever love and miss you! Your Family