Ernie was born and raised on a dairy farm in Franklin, California. He was one of four children; Charlotte, Ernie, Francis, and Irwin, born to Elizabeth and Matthew Smith. His father passed away when Ernie was a teenager, leaving Ernie and his brother, Irwin, to maintain the farm. He graduated with honors from Elk Grove High School, where he was a member of the band, and football and basketball teams.
On the other side of the Sacramento River lived Ethelmae Pylman. They met at a rival high school sports event. They married at the Presbyterian Church in Elk Grove on Valentines Day in 1942. That is also Ethelmae’s birthday. He petitioned for Masonic membership in Franklin Lodge #143; his father had also been a Mason. Their daughter, Karen, was born while they lived on the farm in Franklin.
Because of the heat, the family relocated to Felton, California. Ernie took a job with Hydrotex Industries, selling industrial lubricants. His knowledge of heavy equipment and of people in the farming community was a perfect match; soon he was covering four states and leading in sales.
While living in Felton, Ernie joined the San Jose Scottish Rite and the Islam Temple Shrine. In 1955, he served as Master of San Lorenzo Valley Masonic Lodge.
Both he and Ethelmae are 50 year members of Eastern Star, and he is a life member of Santa Cruz/San Lorenzo Valley Lodge #38. He also served the Santa Cruz, Salinas Valley, and San Benito Shrine Clubs. He was a proud member of the East-West Shrine Football Game Staff. In 1991, he was awarded the coveted Hiram Award by the Grand Lodge of Masons. He holds a 32nd Degree from Scottish Rite.
In 1983, Ernie retired and opened the next chapter of his and Ethelmae’s life by traveling to Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and to all fifty states. He became the first West Coast National President of National Camping Travelers, a National Masonic Recreational Vehicle Club. Trips spent with the family at Loon Lake, Shasta Lake, and Seacliff provided more memories. When at home, Ernie’s gardening skills produced delicate begonias, roses, and delicious vegetables. And, the house on Winkle Avenue in Santa Cruz was a Christmas destination for families. The multitude of lights, stuffed animals, Holiday music, and even “Santa Ernie” handing out candy canes to one and all, was a holiday highlight!
In 1989, he was installed as President of the Santa Cruz Shrine Club with his Lady, Ethelmae, by his side. Ernie lived the phrase, “Make new friends, keep the old, one is silver and the other is gold.”
Ernie was devoted to his family: His wife of 66 years, Ethelmae, daughter Karen Ann Crane (Steve), granddaughter Diane Schmidt (Chris), and grandson Brian Crane. He is also survived by his sister Charlotte Iverson (Evert) and nephews Steve Thomas (Karen), Michael Brokaw (Kate), Robert Thomas (Liz), and niece Rogene Kilregard (Larry).
Friends and fraternal family are invited to attend a Memorial service in Morgan Hill on Thursday, May 10, at the Masonic Lodge, corner of W. Dunne & Peak, at 4 P.M.
On Friday, May 11, friends and fraternal family will gather at Oakwood Memorial Chapel, 3301 Paul Sweet Rd., Santa Cruz, at 1 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, please celebrate Ernie’s life by contributing to the Shriner’s Childrens Hospital or to a charity of your choice. Practice serving others and make this world a better place. Thanks to all of you who shared Grandpa’s life journey.
