August 23, 1940 - January 27, 2021
Ernest H Nye Obituary Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on January 27, 2021. Ernie was born in Wenatchee, Washington, August 23, 1940. He was raised in Waterville, Granger, and Cheney, Washington before moving to Spokane, where he graduated from North Central HS in 1958. Ernie joined the United States Navy in 1959. While stationed at Annapolis, MD, he met the love of his life, Virginia Brown. They married on May 28, 1966. His naval career took him around the Pacific to Hawaii, Japan, the Philippines, San Diego and Long Beach, CA. In 1968, Ernie left active duty and he and Virginia returned to Spokane with their children, where he joined the Spokane Fire Department in 1969. Ernie filled many roles during his 30-year career with the fire department. He was a firefighter; he was among the first group of EMTs and paramedics; he was the department training officer and trained the first group of women firefighters for the city; and finally, an arson investigator, which required his training and graduation from the Spokane Police Academy. Ernie continued to serve in the Naval Reserves until 1989, when he retired as Chief Petty Officer. The year 2000 brought his retirement from SFD, though he continued investigating fires for the insurance industry for several more years. In his retirement, Ernie enjoyed travel, bird watching, watercolor painting, attending EWU football games, and cheering on the Gonzaga Men�s Basketball teams. He never missed a grandchild�s softball or baseball game, or band concert. �Papa� was always there. Ernie was preceded in death by his parents Mina MacDonald Nye and William Earl Nye. He is survived by wife Virginia; children Linda Hormann (Jeff), Ron Nye (Terri), Will Nye (Beth), Erin Brewer (Steve), and Laura Sumner (Nick); grandchildren Lisa Hormann Lang and Jeffrey Hormann, Chelsey Nye Gaudio, Travis and Tina Nye, Bennett and Blake Nye, Alexis Brewer Ballew, Chris, Tyler and Ashley Brewer, Haley and Eric Sumner; and five great-grandchildren. Gone, but forever in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Jude�s Children�s Hospital or the USO. � To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Ernest, please visit our Tree Stor
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