Ernest Guy Larsen, affectionately known as Ernie to those who knew and loved him, passed away Nov. 5. He was a loving husband, father, brother , grandfather, and great-grandfather whose presence will be deeply missed.

Ernie was truly one of a kind. He was strong, fiercely independent and set in his ways, he never asked anyone for anything, he just gave. Once he made up his mind, there wasn’t much anyone could do to change it. He wasn’t one to sugarcoat things, and you never had to wonder where you stood with him. That was all part of what made him who he was.

He was employed at FMC as a maintenance mechanic/machinist. He retired after 41 years. Following his retirement he enjoyed spending most of his time caring for his mother until her passing .

He taught his family that life isn’t always easy, that you stand your ground, and that sometimes you simply have to push your way through whatever life throws at you. He was tough, determined, and unapologetically himself. Those are things his family will carry with them forever.

Ernie loved hunting, but fishing was his true passion. There was nowhere else he would rather be than somewhere with a fishing pole in his hand with his brother and best friend John. Fishing wasn’t just a hobby to him; it was a part of who he was. He also loved going to Wendover, Nevada with his wife Dawn, picking teams and watching NFL football.

He wasn’t a perfect man. He was however, a great man. There will never be another quite like him. We will miss the things that made us laugh, the things that drove us crazy, and even the arguments we never seemed to win. His clever way of doing things, his humor, and his personality gave us memories and stories that will be shared for generations.

Ernie is survived by his loving wife, Dawn; his children, Jason, Codie, Kelly, and Bunnie (Adam); his grandchildren, Chynna, Channing (Rebecca), Sabre (Jacob), Brazi, Bronson, Faith, Azalea, Taylor, Jade, and Isla; and his great-grandchildren, Elaynna, Fisher, Mariposa, and Rylee.

He is also survived by his sisters, Jean (Mark), Liz, Gayle (Billy), Wendy (Jim), and Amye (Troy); and his brother, John (Mona). Brother-in-laws Rob (Leslie), Davey (Shanna), and Gene (Glenda). Also many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. The family could never forget his little friend Junior, the cat that adopted Ernie.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Gloria Larsen, brother Coy Dean, and his daughter, Jamie. Also many aunts, uncles, and cousins

While the family’s hearts are heavy, they are grateful for the years they shared, the lessons he taught them, and the memories they will forever hold close. They will miss his laughter, his voice, the way he cleared his throat, his knowledge of the world and simply knowing he was there.

If heaven has a fishing hole, the family knows exactly where to find him. They hope the fish are always biting, the waters are always calm, and nobody is telling him it’s time to go home.

He will be deeply loved, forever remembered, and greatly missed.

A viewing will take place from 11 a.m. to noon Nov. 14 at the Heritage Barn at 44054 Business Loop 80 in Lyman. Funeral services will take place at noon at the Heritage Barn, followed by a graveside service and a luncheon.