Ervin Earl Friend

When you look at those dates, you will realize that Ervin lived for over 100 years . . . quite a triumph! Ervin started those 100 years in Sanger, California as the son of William and Mary Friend. He was a high school athlete in basketball and track, and the Sanger Herald lamented that the basketball team would be missing a good player when he broke his arm in high school. His wife, Mildred Scheidt Friend, would classify him as one of the “in” crowd students in high school. He also spent lots of summers with family and friends at Dinkey Creek fishing and hiking.

World War II had Ervin joining the Army and leaving high school before he officially graduated. He was fortunate to come back to Sanger after his military service commitment ended, and he began his college education in Oakland – first at UC Berkeley and then at the California School of Arts and Crafts where he graduated as a commercial artist.

It was during his summer breaks from college that Ervin began courting Mildred. She worked at the Sanger High School office, and he worked for the US Postal Service delivering the mail. They were married for over 60 years. Ervin raised two daughters, Deborah and Marcia, and was a terrific Dad. He is remembered as taking both girls to the zoo after church many Sundays, trying to teach them to fish at Dinkey Creek (even thought they were more interested in throwing rocks into the water), racing up and down the street they lived on to see who could run the fastest (and Dad always let them win) and giving them a strong sense of self and hard work. Ervin was blessed with three grandchildren, Patrick, Myles and Brant. After raising two girls, he finally had “boys” and he and Mildred went to every soccer game, baseball game, volleyball match, swim meet and water polo match.

Ervin loved going to Disneyland and liked to be called “Grumpy” because he had a stern look but a kind heart. He was also a good gardener, either because he liked gardening or because he wanted to keep his yard looking good (or maybe a little of both). He was a loving husband who cared for his wife after everyday activities became a challenge for her . . . learning to cook in his 90’s. He will additionally be remembered for helping others – elderly relatives and neighbors – as well as his girls and grandchildren.

Ervin leaves his daughters Deborah and husband, Curtis Wong, and Marcia Friend and husband, Ernie Castro. He also leaves his grandchildren, Patrick Friend and wife, Megan, Myles Castro and wife, Hailey, and Brant Castro.

His was a life well-loved and well lived!

Ervin’s family would like to specifically thank his exceptional caregivers – Angelica and Maria at Angelic Care. Their kindness and exceptional care allowed Ervin to have the best quality of life until the very end. These two wonderful ladies are truly angels here on earth.