Thank you for this, John. I worked at Sellwood Community Center for 15 years and knew and loved Yaz, too. Everything you said about him is 100% true. I’ll add, he was one of the kindest, nicest people I’ve ever known. He told ‘dad jokes’ before they were a thing, and shared his parachute rigger stories with my son who was fascinated by them. He played a mean game of ping pong, and almost everyday he would play my boss in the lobby of Sellwood CC. He always won. My favorite thing was to honk at him as we saw him walking around West/Eastmoreland - he always did the same thing, he would grab his chest and pretend to fall over. He was a regular guy who invested his time and energy in his community. We are better for having known him.
I remember the Mickey Mantle incident. It was sad to hear about it. I remember feeling sorry for that newscaster, but also for one of the greatest baseball players ever and what he meant to so many kids during his playing days. It was what his life had become.
I loved this man too and have the privilege of having his daughter as my sister-in-law and friend. The last remaining member of their family. I love how you continue to honor Ernie through your stories. Thank you.
A very refreshing story indeed.It reminds me of so many people consider Memorial day as simply a day off and forget the thousands of men and women who served our country and left us forever...
Met Yaz when I played CYO football in grade school.
He never forgot my name and would yell it every time I saw him at Blazer games or Civic Stadium. Many Italian weddings with him and my many Italian friends. Forni, Corno, Graziano, Cozetto, Comella, Fazio, Spada.
Always the life of the party with his stories and constant jokes.
John, Ernie was a big part of my life as well. I was a manager for Portland Parks and Recreation for thirty years. I helped get Ernie’s money into our parks foundation when he donated the $10,000. But the real story was Ernie showing up at our home at any given time, (we lived in Westmoreland). Ernie was always dropping by to visit and tell us a story! He was a wonderful guy!! I had a plaque installed honoring him on the wall leading into the gym at the Sellwood Community Center, I hope it is still there. My son, who is now a Dr, had the pleasure of working part time with Ernie during his youth. They ran the basketball games on Saturdays.
Ernie was a guy whose like will not be found.. We all miss him.
Very nice story, John. Brought back some memories of my grandfather telling stories about great sports people he had seen play or had met. He once took me to see Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, and the Giants play. It is something I will always remember even though I didn’t realize at the time what a monumental thing that was for me and for my Grandfather! Thanks again.
I’m not the greatest sports fan but I truly enjoy your columns, especially when you delve into memorable events with people like Ernie. Keep up your excellent journalism 😍
I love when you run this story about Ernie ❤️, I worked him at the Rose Quarter for years like you I heard many great stories and laughed always. I still think about him. Thank you always telling this story 👏🏼
John, loved the story…..but couldn’t help noticing he was wearing a Dr. Pepper cap. 🤓
Thank you for this, John. I worked at Sellwood Community Center for 15 years and knew and loved Yaz, too. Everything you said about him is 100% true. I’ll add, he was one of the kindest, nicest people I’ve ever known. He told ‘dad jokes’ before they were a thing, and shared his parachute rigger stories with my son who was fascinated by them. He played a mean game of ping pong, and almost everyday he would play my boss in the lobby of Sellwood CC. He always won. My favorite thing was to honk at him as we saw him walking around West/Eastmoreland - he always did the same thing, he would grab his chest and pretend to fall over. He was a regular guy who invested his time and energy in his community. We are better for having known him.
In this day and age I need to hear stories like this, Thank you John👍
I remember the Mickey Mantle incident. It was sad to hear about it. I remember feeling sorry for that newscaster, but also for one of the greatest baseball players ever and what he meant to so many kids during his playing days. It was what his life had become.
Everyone should have an Ernie in their life
Great story John.
Ernie sounded like a classic guy. Good man for the community and all the people he helped and touched in all his years.
I loved this man too and have the privilege of having his daughter as my sister-in-law and friend. The last remaining member of their family. I love how you continue to honor Ernie through your stories. Thank you.
A very refreshing story indeed.It reminds me of so many people consider Memorial day as simply a day off and forget the thousands of men and women who served our country and left us forever...
Met Yaz when I played CYO football in grade school.
He never forgot my name and would yell it every time I saw him at Blazer games or Civic Stadium. Many Italian weddings with him and my many Italian friends. Forni, Corno, Graziano, Cozetto, Comella, Fazio, Spada.
Always the life of the party with his stories and constant jokes.
Met Yaz first time playing CYO football in grade school.
He never forgot my name the many times I would run into him at Blazer games and civic stadium.
John, Ernie was a big part of my life as well. I was a manager for Portland Parks and Recreation for thirty years. I helped get Ernie’s money into our parks foundation when he donated the $10,000. But the real story was Ernie showing up at our home at any given time, (we lived in Westmoreland). Ernie was always dropping by to visit and tell us a story! He was a wonderful guy!! I had a plaque installed honoring him on the wall leading into the gym at the Sellwood Community Center, I hope it is still there. My son, who is now a Dr, had the pleasure of working part time with Ernie during his youth. They ran the basketball games on Saturdays.
Ernie was a guy whose like will not be found.. We all miss him.
He would be tickled to read your article.
Thanks
Bob Schulz
Very nice story, John. Brought back some memories of my grandfather telling stories about great sports people he had seen play or had met. He once took me to see Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, and the Giants play. It is something I will always remember even though I didn’t realize at the time what a monumental thing that was for me and for my Grandfather! Thanks again.
JC… you are the tenderizer, making each and every heart feel the essence of life
I’m not the greatest sports fan but I truly enjoy your columns, especially when you delve into memorable events with people like Ernie. Keep up your excellent journalism 😍
Another sweet memory reminding us once again we are never too old to learn from the. “Old” guys. Thanks John
I love when you run this story about Ernie ❤️, I worked him at the Rose Quarter for years like you I heard many great stories and laughed always. I still think about him. Thank you always telling this story 👏🏼