Ernie is the reason that I joined the local Kalamazoo Barbershop Chorus 10+ years ago! We met in the hot tub at the Borgess Fitness Center and got to talking, during which he aske me if I did any singing. My reply was the "usual"..."in the shower, in the car, etc." He mentioned the Kalamazoo Mall City Harmonizers and that I should consider joining. Took me a couple of months to do so but eventually I did and I have been very grateful to him ever since. I love Barbershop and it all started with Ernie! We even attempted to sing a song while in the ho tub...asked me if I knew the Beatles' "When I'm 64". Sort of remembered it and we attempted to sing it together...and since then it has become a staple of my Barbershop Quartet's repertoire. I remined him of that when I last saw him at the nursing home where he was for the past year or so! Had the chorus come there, as well, to sing a few tunes for him, which he very much loved and appreciated. Also printed a color photo of the Chorus, with Ernie front and center, which he placed on the wall of his room. Thank you, Ernie, for changing my life for the better!!! Michael Sobel

Posted by Michael Sobel on November 28, 2022

During the 1980s Ernie gave me some helpful advice when I called the Sheriff's office on a property issue. Years later he came into our barbershop chorus, and he was an enthusiastic participant for many years. He struggled with his health, and succeeded in losing a large amount of weight, and we helped give him some fun activities to motivate him. We have missed his opinions and banter and sense of humor. He always brought something to the table, as well as his singing voice.

Posted by Bob Schellenberg on November 27, 2022