Born in 1929, Ernie Beyer was the third child of ten born to John and Mary Beyer. Raised on a farm just outside Mt. Angel, he learned the value of hard work early in life. He lost his mother at the age of 13. He enjoyed belonging to such a big family and shared with us the stories of his youth. You can only imagine the trouble that ten children could get into.

Many of the kids in Mt. Angel worked at the Beyer Berry Farm at some time or another including Laura Schwab. Dad went into the service at the age of 18. He served for two years and was about to arrive in Korea when the war ended.

After returning to Mt. Angel, Ernie started dating Laura and married her in 1950. They lived in Klamath Falls for the first four years where their first two children were born. Their first son, Bobbie, died within a year of his birth. They moved to Eugene in 1954 where the remaining five of us were born. In Eugene, Dad was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and later with Marist High Men's Club. He loved sports, especially football and basketball. He attended all of his children's games and events.

Dad also loved a good tailgate party with his kids during a U of O football game. Dad was a Duck fan through and through. I think he enjoyed the friendly rivalry that built up between he and some of his brothers who tried to be loyal to OSU. My father was always a fairly shy and quiet man… except when the ref made a bad call! Dad was also an intense competitor at any activity he thought he could beat you in, most notably at cards.

Dad was a very good provider for his family. His hobby was carpentry and Dad could often be found in the shop working on a project for someone. All of his children and grand children have prized possessions which Dad made for us out of wood. Dad was really proud of his grandchildren and attended many of their important events and games. Dad loved to fish with his sons and grandchildren. He also enjoyed camping with his grandkids too… Golfing, walking, playing cards, puzzles, and traveling were a few of the pastimes he enjoyed in his retirement years.

Last summer, he was able to enjoy a trip with the Schwab group to Germany to see many sights and visit with our German cousins. He also was able to make a cruise to Mexico and had just made it back from a cruise to Alaska when his illness reached the final stage. Dad said in the hospital that he really enjoyed all the ports in Alaska but this last one in the hospital was a real bust!

Dad mostly loved family, he looked forward to family reunions and catching up on everybody's activities. Dad was happy to be surrounded by many of his family members during his last days.

Steven: I remember working on Grandpa's roof with him last summer. It was a lot more fun with Grandpa up there. He always knew how to lighten things up, and he was never afraid of hard work. I'll really miss him.

Kristin:(ad lib) Grandpa was always happy to be there for me, he attended Junior Miss Pageants, Dance Recitals, High School Graduation, and anything else he could. He was always proud of what we did.

Erika: I remember that Grandpa was always there to see my dance recitals, and other important events. We appreciated all the things Grandpa made with wood, including kids table and chair sets for all of us.

Nathan: Grandpa Ernie liked to play checkers with me, and he always won. He liked to fish and boat He was a really good fisherman and lie was a great grandpa!

Craig: Grandpa came to some of my gymnastics meets, even though he would probably rather have been watching football. Grandpa also made me a shadow box for my ribbons.

Melissa: I was bone on Grandpa's 60th birthday. Sharing his birthday was fun. Grandpa Ernie loved to play cards, and he taught my bother and I to play "Hand and Foot". He liked to make things with wood, and made me and my girl cousins each a doll cradle for Christmas one year, which we'll always treasure.

Ashley: I remember when Grandpa took me to the Thrillville Park with Melissa, and how much fun we had.

Allison: I liked the doll shelf Grandpa made me and remember how much he liked his dog "Smokey" and how he taught him to do tricks.

Brittney: I remember when I went along with Grandma & Grandpa to the coast in their trailer. Grandpa took me fishing too. I liked spending time with Grandpa.'

Ryan liked the train magazines Grandpa gave him and the way Grandpa teased him.

Jacob had a fun time when Grandpa took him fishing and crabbing in his boat. He loved the toy boats Grandpa made him.

Megan remembers the good times when she played on the beach with Grandpa. One such time was visiting Grandpa and he played dolls with her.

As the youngest grandchild, Rachel took to Grandpa's lap and liked how he played and teased with her. He always found a treat to give her when she visited

Ernie Beyer, 71, died Monday. Cause of death was unavailable.

He was born in Woodburn and graduated from Mount Angel High School. He served in the Army during World War II. He was a switchman from Southern Pacific Railroad retiring in 1988 and moved to Salem in 1989. He was a member of Knights of Columbus and loved woodworking and carpentry.

Survivors include his wife, Laura, whom he married in 1950; sons, Timothy of Portland, Kevin of Battleground, Wash., and Paul of Salem; daughters, Julianne Horton of Beaverton, Barbara Gauthier of Walterville and Maureen Rogers of Bend; brothers, Joseph of Woodburn, John of Mount Angel, Carl of Albany, Walter of Shaw, James of Silverton and Alcuin and Alfred, both of Salem; Sisters, Mary Kottre of Shaw and Margaret Torresdal of Salem; stepmother, Catherine Beyer of Mount Angel; and 13 grandchildren.

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