Ernest Chase

Ernest M. Chase, 66 years of age, lived in Wasilla, Alaska was born February 6, 1945 and passed away on August 13, 2011 while piloting a Cessna 207 west of McGrath. Ernie was one of eight children born to the late William R. Chase and Kate Ebena Chase of Anvik, Alaska.

He graduated from Mt. Edgecumbe High School in Sitka in 1964. He received his private pilot license in 1968 in Alaska and continued his education at Le Tourneau College in Longview, Texas. He was an airframe and power plant mechanic, helicopter pilot, fixed wing commercial pilot, and an Inspection Authorization (IA) mechanic. He also had his flight instructor rating. He worked as a commercial fisherman, fire fighter, driller on workover rigs for Exxon, a commercial gold miner and could fix almost anything. Ernie served on the board of the Yukon Area River Drainage Association and attended the Wasilla Bible Church.

He owned and operated Grayling Air Service for 10 years from 1974-84, which served western Alaska and provided medevac services to the area. He also owned and operated Grayling Cash and Carry General Store.

Ernie is survived by fiance Lorraine Locascio; his children Tim Chase of Big Lake; Bonnie Reherman and husband Kevin of Columbus, Georgia; Charity Jasper and husband Shane of Anchorage; Chasity Weythman and husband Thane of Aniak; William Chase of Wasilla; Briana Chase of Anchorage; and grandchildren Tim, Zeke, Rheanna, Nyla and Colton. His surviving siblings include Rudy and Gloria Chase of Anchorage, Ken Chase of Anvik, Calvin Chase of Wasilla, and Leonard Chase and wife Robin of Fairbanks.

Ernie loved flying and knew that he wanted to fly by age six, when he would watch planes land on the Anvik River in front of the village. As a teenager he played guitar with Albert Evans, brother Calvin, Mike Ticknor and Jimmy Young. Ernie had a great sense of humor and often joked with others and easily gave out nicknames to his friends and those he cared about.

More recently, he fully enjoyed fiddle dancing and taught his children how to dance. He frequently attended dances in Anchorage and traveled to Fairbanks with Lorraine, Charity, Chasity and Cody to attend annual dances. Ernie's greatest joy came from being with his kids and getting together with family and friends. He especially enjoyed spending time with Lorraine, who was his best friend and soul mate. He was most proud of his children, was a great provider, and worked hard to take care of them and loved them dearly.

Services will be officiated by Dave Penz on Saturday, August 20 starting at 10am at the Church of God in Palmer at 349 East Arctic Avenue. There will be a potlatch on Sunday, and a service and burial on Monday, August 22 in Anvik.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to assist with expenses at Wells Fargo account #6273278884 or Alaska USA Federal Credit Union Account #1368956.