Search by Name
Search by Name
1918
2015
Ernest T. "Ernie" Tyree, 96, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2015.
Ernie was born on December 8, 1918 in Lyman, WA the son of Roby & Hettie (Latham) Tyree.
He was raised in the Hickson community near the Samish River and attended school in Burlington, graduating from Burlington High School in 1937.
Ernie worked in the logging industry for a while until enlisting in the U.S. Army during WWII, where he was stationed in Africa serving in communications for much of the war.
After his discharge he returned to the Skagit Valley where he met the love of his life, Beverly Klaus, and they were united in marriage on August 17, 1946.
They made their home in Sedro-Woolley and he worked as an electrician for Northern State Hospital for a time until beginning a long career in telecommunications with the Skagit Valley Telephone Company, (later Contel and Verizon). He worked all aspects for the phone company; installing and climbing poles, laying wires and dispatching equipment for over 40 years until his retirement in the mid 1980's.
Ernie had a gift for playing music, playing since childhood. He played in several bands over the years, playing country music at venues all around the Northwest, but mostly at the Skagit Valley Grange. He also gave guitar lessons to many all around the Skagit Valley. His spare time, other than music, found him in his back yard tending to his abundant vegetable garden.
Ernie is survived by his wife of 68 years, Beverly; his son, Ron Tyree and his wife Gloria of Eugene, OR and his daughter, Diane Dodd and her husband Mike of Blaine, WA; 3 grandchildren, Julie Dodd, Trent Tyree and Lauren Countess; a great-grandson, Ryder Ness; a sister, Valerie Terwillger and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jerry, sisters, Violet Tyree and Grace Johnson and his brother, Robert (June Tyree.
The family requests that memorials in honor of Ernie be made to the Sedro-Woolley Band Parents Group Instrument Fund c/o Sedro-Woolley High School, 1235 Third Street, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 13, 2015 at 1:30 PM at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Wendy Tingley officiating.
Interment with Military Honors will follow at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery. Share memories of Ernie and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bev
Very Sympathy for your loss! I learned about Ernest passed few days ago. You have a beautiful families & relatives.
Your cousins, John Klaus
John Klaus
March 17, 2015
I worked with Ernie in the 60 & 70's with Contel. He was sometimes my mentor and sometimes just a buddy and guide.
I still think of him and the Contel warehouse on Polte rd.
March 16, 2015
Dear Tyree family, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss and want you to know our thoughts are with you. Wishing we could have been at his memorial.
Robie & Lewis Buchanan
March 13, 2015
very sorry to hear about Ernie, we all loved him! papa and mama will be welcoming him home!ERNIE was a big part of many lives and will be greatly missed! Love Jan
March 12, 2015
Bev
So sorry to hear of Ernie's passing. He and Jim can be making music in heaven together. I know how much you guys meant to each other and you will miss him. He was Jim's mentor and they made much good music together. Leta
March 12, 2015
Fond memories of the pickin & grinnin Ernie had with my Dad. You will be missed.
Cheryl Lanier
March 12, 2015
May God spread his arms over your family Ernie, for you were a light in their lives and will be truly missed, always loved, and never forgotten.
Laura
March 11, 2015
I used to work with Ernie in the 60 and 70's. Great guy and a real person.
March 11, 2015
To Beverly,Ron,and Diane,
Sorry to hear of Ernie's passing. I enjoyed knowing him very much. He was always fun to talk with, and fun to watch him play music. He will be missed.
Roger Allen
March 11, 2015
To the Tyree Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Ernie taught me guitar lessons. I graduated with his son Ron.
Brad Colglazier
March 11, 2015
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more