Ernest E. (Ernie) Hames passed away Sept. 12, 2017 after a brief battle with cancer. 

Born at the Trinity Hospital in Arcata on July 29th, 1947, Ernie grew up and lived in Blue Lake his entire life.  He attended Blue Lake Elementary School and Arcata High School, graduating in 1966.  

In 1972, Ernie met and married the love of his life, Kathi Scheckla.  They have two children and four grandchildren. Shortly before his death, Ernie and Kathi celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. 

While most people knew Ernie as a truck driver, he had also worked for the City of Blue Lake and Blue Lake Elementary School prior to choosing truck driving as his career.  He worked for several small trucking companies before eventually working many years for Wayne Bare Trucking.  He ended his truck driving career as a dump truck driver for Ford Logging in 2012. 

For over 25 years Ernie was involved with the Blue Lake Volunteer Fire Department.  He was selected as the Fireman of the Year and had served as an assistant chief for three years.  Ernie decided to retire from being an active member of the department to “let the young guys do the work.”  He and Kathi remained involved when called upon to help the BLVFD with putting on various dinners and annual events. 

Ernie was preceded in death by his father, Charles Hames, Sr., his mother, Thelma LaTorra, and his step father, John LaTorra.  He is survived by his wife Kathi Hames, his daughter Lori Hames and son John Hames as well as four grandchildren: Lacey, Audrey, Justin and Riley.  He is also survived by his brother, Charles Hames, Jr. and sister, Chris LaTorra as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank the nurses from Home Health Services, Chief Ray Stonebarger and his team from the Blue Lake Fire Department and very good friend, Mel Walker, for their help during Ernie’s illness. 

Per Ernie’s request, there will be no services.  If you would like to do so, feel free to make a donation in Ernie’s memory to the Blue Lake Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 245, Blue Lake CA 95525.

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The obituary above was submitted by Ernie Hames’ family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.