Ernie was born on Dec. 7, 1954 to Elsie M. and Richard G. Fox in Scotia, California. The following year, the family moved to Onalaska, Washington, where his sister, Sue was born.
Ernie graduated from Onalaska High School in 1973. While in school he played basketball and was a self-taught guitarist. He played with several bands throughout high school and adulthood.
Ernie began working in the woods with his dad while in school. In the late 70s he and his dad formed Fox & Fox Logging. As a result of a motorcycle accident in 1991, where Ernie was struck by a truck and lost his leg, Fox & Fox logging closed its doors. After a year of recuperation, Ernie went back to work into the logging industry for 15 years, working for B&M Logging. Ernie was a shovel operator until November 2014, when he was diagnosed with cancer.
Ernie was preceded in death by his oldest son, Miles Fox; and his parents.
Ernie is survived by his better half, Cynthia Baxter; son, Nathan; daughter, Cherise; grandchildren, Nolan and Scarlett; sister, Sue Fox Hodges; favorite brother-in-law, Gary Hodges. He is also survived by Cynthia’s son, Gabe; bonus grandchildren, Addison and Emerson; and his stepmother Ruth Fox.
Ernie was a hard working salt of the earth man, who enjoyed working in the woods, playing his guitar, listening to music, watching football GO HAWKS!, going to Reno, reading books by Stephen King and watching his grandkids play.
The family would like to thank Dr. Allen at Radiant Care, Dr. Byrd at Providence Regional Cancer System and all of their nurses and staff, Dr. Mark Hansen in Morton, Sound Home Care and Hospice and B&M Logging for their kindness and generosity.
A graveside service will be held at noon on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Alpha Cemetery in Onalaska, Washington.
