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1917
2013
Ernest "Ernie" Dunlevie
Aug. 3, 1917 ~ Oct. 7, 2013
Ernest "Ernie" Dunlevie passed peacefully at age 96 on Monday morning October 7, 2013, at his home in Bermuda Dunes surrounded by his family. Ernie was born August 3, 1917 in New York City, the only son of Adelaide and George Dunlevie. Ernie spent most of his youth in East Orange, New Jersey. In 1936, after graduating from East Orange High School, Ernie and his Mother drove across country to Palm Springs to visit artist friends who spent their winters in the desert.The allure of the area captured them both and they never left. Ernie was a tireless worker throughout his life. Some of Ernie's early jobs included delivering groceries on a bicycle, a gas station, construction of the Palm Springs Airport, in the men's department of Desmonds and Bullock's Wilshire in Palm Springs. When World War II broke out in 1941, Ernie enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He trained to fly B-17 and B-29 aircraft in Salina, Kansas as well as Denver, Colorado, and was then stationed in India. From the air base there, Ernie flew B-29s to China, transporting fuel and bombs. From that base in China Ernie flew bombing missions ranging throughout China, Japan and Formosa (now Taiwan). On May 1, 1944 his plane was shot down over Burma. After parachuting out at an altitude of 18,000 feet, Ernie and his crew were separated in the jungle, but later found by natives and reunited at a nearby English tea plantation. For the Burma mission and in recognition of his exemplary service during the war, Ernie was decorated with the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal, Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster as well a the Distinguished Flying Cross. When the war ended, friend and local realtor Muriel Fulton suggested Ernie get his real estate license. After becoming a Broker, Ernie opened his first office, Dunlevie & Associates on North Palm Canyon Drive. Over his 68-year real estate career, Ernie served many grateful clients including celebrities such as Cary Grant, Fernando Lamas, Howard Hughes and Ava Gardner -many became lifelong friends. His success in business led him to serve in many leadership roles in the real estate industry and community, including president of the Palm Springs and Southern California Board of Realtors, Southern California Golf Association, as well as numerous other local Boards. In the late 1950s, Ernie along with Ray Ryan, developed Bermuda Dunes Country Club, which included Bermuda Dunes Airport and Bermuda Dunes Racquet Club (now Murph's Gaslight Restaurant). In developing Bermuda Dunes, Ernie met Clark Gable and they became close friends. Clark Gable maintained a home at Bermuda Dunes until his passing, where Ernie served as a pallbearer at his funeral. Of Ernie's many noteworthy accomplishments, he co-founded what was initially called the Palm Springs Classic golf tournament, first played in 1960. In 1965, Ernie and Milt Hicks convinced Bob Hope to add his name to the tournament, thus creating the Bob Hope Desert Classic now known as the Humana Challenge. Ernie has remained on the Tournament Board to this day, and has been recognized as the last remaining original board member. During the Tournament's famous history, Ernie served as Classic President five times, met and befriended Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Gerald R. Ford. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Eisenhower Medical Center and proudly served on the Eisenhower Medical Center's original Board. He helped found the Indio Boys and Girls Club and received numerous awards and recognition for his life of charitable accomplishments. When Arnold Palmer played in the inaugural 1960 tournament, he and Ernie formed what would become a lifelong friendship. Ernie was privileged to accompany Arnold on many memorable trips one of which took them around the world. As Arnold told the Dunlevie family, "He was my buddy, we did it all." In 1950 Ernie married Taylor Bandlow and had four sons, they divorced in 1970. In 1971, Ernie met his beloved wife to be, Joy Nicholson. Ernie and Joy married in 1982 and they enjoyed a special and devoted love for each other for many wonderful years. Their shared love of travel led them on many memorable trips and cruises throughout the world, often with good friends. Ernie enjoyed skiing, a love of flying his own plane, sailing his boat to Catalina and spending time with his family. He was a member of Bermuda Dunes Country Club, La Quinta Country Club, Tradition and Indian Wells Country Club and was a former member of Mount Kenya Safari Club, Catalina Island Yacht Club and the Balboa Bay Club. He is survived by Joy, loving stepmother to his four sons, Jon, Scott (Bill Kelley), Michael (Anne), Geoffrey (Rhonda), and six grandchildren, Ian, Rachel, Jack, Connor, Taylor Dunlevie, and Cole Schamber, sister-in-law Sheila Stirling, brother-in-law Tony Nicholson, former daughter-in-law Donna, niece Shane Lalonde (Larry) and his beloved dog Raffles. Ernie will always be remembered for being charming, gracious, friendly, having a fabulous sense of humor and sharp wit. Ernie was a remarkable human being who was loved and will be missed by all who knew him. A memorial service will be held in the Annenberg Auditorium at Eisenhower Medical Center on Thursday October 24 at 4:00 p.m. R.S.V.P. 760-773-1463. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Eisenhower Medical Center or the Boys & Girls Club of the Coachella Valley.
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: mydesert.com/obituaries
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
[email protected] I am a relative in Australia
Annette Dunlevie in Austrtallia
Family
April 3, 2022
Ernie. You will be missed. From the first time we met I knew we would be friends with you and your beautiful wife Joy. Larry has his screen saver on a 45 inch tv with a picture of himself, you and Arnold at the Bob Hope Classic. He speaks often of your friendship. You will be missed. I believe you were so instrumental with the development of Palm Dessert The Classic and the hospital! I will miss your smile! I will miss you. Thought prayers and hugs to you Joy and your family. Charlie Girl
Cheryl (Charlie) Haelterman
November 25, 2013
We only met Ernie once but we are sure this great man will leave a great gap in your lives,we will remember you all in our prayers.
Smith &Sinacola Family
November 10, 2013
Joy & family of Mr. Dunlevie,
It has been a pleasure to have known and worked with Ernie at the Classic Office over the last 7 years. I loved his sense of humor and admired his many accomplishments. My sincere condolences to all of the family.
Connie Bradley
October 24, 2013
You were a good man and I will see you brother in Heaven
Tommy Covington
October 24, 2013
As one of the founders of the Boys Club of Coachella Valley, I had a lot of respect for Ernie. He had a great sense of humor, loved kids and made a huge impact on our community. The last time I saw him, he was as gracious as ever and still had that sparkle in his eye. My deepest condolences to the family.
Dave Ison
October 23, 2013
JOY , I AM SO SORRY, ERNIS WAS SO NICE TO ME . HE ALWAYS HAD TIME FOR ME .SEE YOU ON THE 24 TH. { GOLF SHOP JIM IWCC }
October 19, 2013
I will always remember those wonderful picture Christmas cards that Ernie and Joy sent highlighting their travels together.
Chuck Eiser
October 17, 2013
May God grant the family and friends strength beyond what's normal to cope with the loss of their loved one - 2 Corinthians 4:7.
October 17, 2013
I will miss you everyday...sorry for your loss Joy and his sons
Danielle Espinoza
October 16, 2013
My sincere sympathy to Joy and family on their loss. Ernie was such a dear friend and he and my husband were like brothers. After they both retired from Bermuda Dunes Realty they would call each other sometimes 2 and 3 times a day and have lunch as often as possible. They enjoyed many laughs together and with their passing within 2 days of each other was unbelievable. I am sure they are busy sub dividing heaven and laughing with each decision. He will be sorely missed and will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Shirley Cimino
October 15, 2013
Met Mr. Dunlevie at a golfing function in Bermuda Dunes when I was in high school in the 60's. After forth years whenever I would see him out and about, he always took the time to say Hello. What a truly remarkable gentleman. My condolences to his lovely wife, Joy, and his sons.
Diane Hunter
October 15, 2013
One of the great men in our desert. We will all miss you.
Condolences to Joy and the boys.
Cherryl Lyons
October 15, 2013
Joy & Family,
Like so many others I loved & admired Mr. Ernie.
I will never forget this true GENTLE MAN with his quiet wit that brought a smile to so many.
Patricia Castellanos
October 14, 2013
Jon, please accept my condolence. the loss of your father is a sad day for the community.
It was my honor to have known you dad. His contributions to improving our valley will remain a testimony to his life's work
Manny (Manuel) Rios
October 14, 2013
One of the finest men I have ever had the privilege to know. He treated everyone with respect. One truly great guy.
David Dangwillo
October 14, 2013
Ernie and his family changed my life with such generosity through the years. RIP my friend. All our love to the family, Jon and Karla Downs
Jon Downs
October 14, 2013
Sending heartfelt condolences to Jon and family.
Susie Peat
October 13, 2013
Rest in peace, Ernie .... one of the finest gentlemen I ever met.
Randy Steer
October 13, 2013
Mr. Dunlevie was a veritable rock in this desert. While his presence is missed, he will certainly long be remembered. We are fortunate to have a great guy watching over us who is just a thought away.
Carol Brockman Castro
October 13, 2013
God bless you and all your family that left behind you all be on my prayer
Abel Morales
October 13, 2013
The New England Air Museum, home of the 58th Bomb Wing, sends its sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Dunlevie. Thank you for your service and may you rest in peace.
Al Schutte
October 13, 2013
Our Sincere Condolences to Joy,Jon and Family...
My 18 years with Bermuda Dunes Realty together with Fred Cimino was an everyday joyous affair...
Pete and Pat Lussier
October 12, 2013
Our prayers are with you and your family at this time of need.
C & M Pools, Inc.
Corey Anguiano
October 12, 2013
I count myself very lucky to have met Ernie and to have been able to call him a friend. My only regret is not to have been able to meet again after our cruise from which we have very happy memories.
Margaret and Hal Bailey
October 12, 2013
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