Ricardo Ernst

Ricardo Ernst, husband of Kathy Ernst, father to Devin and Aaron Ernst, grandfather to Savannah, Gillian and Nicolas Ernst, died on Sunday, May 15, in Denali National Park. He left this earth doing what he loved: birding, biking, and being with close friends.

Born August 1942, in Maciá, Argentina, to Pastor Raymond and wife Selma, Rick was the eldest of seven; his siblings included Ronald, Randy, Ruth, Rose Marie, Rebecca, and Rob.

Rick raised his family in a cabin in the woods before joining the community of Trapper Creek. His many occupations included teacher, commercial fisherman, back-country guide, museum curator, and bird sanctuary manager.

Rick was a citizen of the world, passionate environmentalist, community volunteer, collector of rocks and experiences, mentor to children, grower of potatoes, and student of the natural world. The Ernst’s traveled widely; Japan, Ecuador, Europe, Asia, Morocco, and South America. His passion for life inspired all who knew him. He left us too early and we miss him.

Friends are invited to a celebration of life and potluck 4 p.m. on Monday, May 23, in Trapper Creek. The family requests that memorial donations in honor of Rick be made to the Jessica Stevens Community Foundation: http://jessicastevenscf.org.