Ernest Henry GILMOUR

1936 - 2024

Ernest Henry Gilmour passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 14, 2024, at the age of 88. He was born August 17, 1936, in Adin, CA, to Harold J. and Velma N. (Helgerson) Gilmour and graduated from Excelsior High School in Norwalk in 1954. He married Marie J. Melton, in 1957, and had three children, Ernest H. Gilmour Jr, William B. Gilmour, and Nadine M. Gilmour (Madrazo). After raising their children, Ernie and Marie divorced in 1980. Ernie married Peggy J. Keller in 1982, and they had one child, Laura L. (Gilmour) Siegmund; they divorced in 1999. In 2000, Ernie married Venera A. Karimova, his soulmate, and together experienced life's adventures and travels.

Ernie was the first in his family to attend college, earning his BS from USC in 1960, his Master's in 1964, and his PhD in 1967 from University of Montana. A man who loved education, he instilled the importance of it in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

For 45 years, Ernie enjoyed a rewarding career as a geology professor at Eastern Washington University, earning professor emeritus status for his significant achievements. He also held positions of senior vice-president, provost, and department chair. Ernie not only loved teaching and sharing knowledge but also had a passion for research as a paleontologist, traveling to Mongolia, Russia, and Pakistan. The recent publication of his Bryozoan research was one of the highlights of his career.

A dedicated father, Ernie was always there when his children needed him. He adored his grandkids, encouraging them to follow their dreams and never give up. Ernie shared his talents and his love of fishing, hunting, crabbing, painting, banjo playing, poetry, jam making, farming/ranching with his family and friends. Ernie has made his mark in all our hearts on this earth and will never be forgotten.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Velma Gilmour; his brother, Harold "Joe" Gilmour; his sons, Ernie and Bill; and his wife, Venera. He is survived by his two daughters, nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and his loving companion.

The service will be Saturday, January 18, at 10:30 AM, in the Cheney Funeral Chapel, followed by a lunch reception held adjacent to the chapel. The burial will be at 2:00 PM, at Spokane-Cheney Memorial Gardens. Please RSVP for the reception at (760) 500-4963 with your name and number attending.

The family requests that any flowers* and/or notes, be sent to: Cheney Funeral Chapel, 1632 W. 1st Street, Cheney, WA, 99004 (509) 235-2992.

*Sue Hines Floral (509-868-3347) a local flower shop -or- Donate to 'Save Our Station-Cheney Depot', https://www.cheneydepot.com/