Obituary of Ernest Walden

Ernest Dawson Walden June 16, 1928 - July 11, 2015 Ernest (Ernie) Dawson Walden passed away peacefully at home in Eugene, OR with his wife and daughters by his side. He was born in Portland, OR to Ernest Lafayette (Lafe) Walden and Nettie Alma (nee Dawson) Walden. He attended school in Portland, Willamina and Sheridan, OR, graduating from Sheridan High School in 1946. In 1952, he married Margaret Ellen Suhs and they had 2 daughters, Cindy Rae and Cheri Cae. As a toddler, he spent summers in a tent on Larch Mtn. with his parents where his Dad worked as a Forest Ranger and, as the story goes, he was almost snatched by an Eagle. Most of his life, Ernie worked, starting as a young boy by helping out in a small town grocery store where eggs were sold in paper bags. While in high school, he worked summers in the fields surrounding Sheridan, worked for the forest service and a plywood mill. He joined the military and served in Germany during the occupation. Later, he was called back into service when the Korean War broke out. While living in Sheridan, he was a volunteer fireman. His career turned out to be that of an Oregon State Police Officer. He worked out of McMinnville until receiving a permanent position at Coquille. As he received promotions, he served in Newport, Medford and was then sent to Eugene as Command Lt., retiring in the reserve as Captain. While still working, he was active in the Coquille Elks Club, the Sawdust Theater in Coquille during its first three years of inception, and the Lions Club of Eugene. He was also instrumental in starting the first D.A.R.E. program in Oregon. When asked what he wanted to do after retirement, he said, “cut wood” and he did whenever possible. Ernie is survived by his wife of 63 years Margaret, two daughters, Cindy Swindall of Coquille and Cheri Walden of Oakridge. His brother Carson Walden and wife Bonnie of Mountain Home, Idaho. Grandchildren Sarah Layton and husband Mike of Coquille, Scott Swindall, Becca and Braxton of Eugene, Julie Ballard and husband Jake of West Fir, Jamie Atkinson and fiancée Josh Hanneman of Oakridge. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren Bristol and Brooklyn Layton, Morgan and Blake Ballard, Caelynn Hanneman and numerous nieces and nephews. Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Joyce Wheeler and son-in-law Mike Swindall. A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, July 18, 2015 at 12:00 pm at Musgrove’s West Lawn Memorial Chapel, 225 S. Danebo Ave., Eugene, OR, preceded by viewing from 9:00 am -- 12:00 pm. Following will be a military graveside service at Green Crest Memorial Cemetery, 108 NW Lincoln Street, Sheridan, OR. Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com