Ernest Joseph Gaudet

On April 3rd, 2023, Ernest Joseph Gaudet passed away peacefully in his sleep at 91 years of age at his residence in Milton, WA.

Ernest was born in Bangor, Maine to Enos and Evelyn Gaudet, and was the youngest of four children that included three older sisters.  He lost his father, whom he dearly loved, when he was only twelve years old.  He attended Gardiner High School and completed his senior year at South Portland High School in Maine in 1949.  He was on the swim team.  Immediately after graduating from high school, Ernest enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Dix, NJ.  He served as a Military Policeman in Boston, MA during the Korean War era.

After his discharge from the Army, Ernest attended Husson College in Bangor, Maine where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting.  He worked his way through college doing road construction (and taxes).  It is at this time that he met his beloved wife, Linette, to whom he has been married for 65 years.  He took special delight in remarking to people that they were college sweethearts.  

Upon graduating from college, Ernest and Linette took a much-belated honeymoon and migrated west to Seattle, WA.  They decided to make Seattle their home and started working on the Minuteman Project for the Boeing Company.  A year later, Ernest transferred with Boeing to Santa Maria, CA and they lived there for five years.  In 1967, they returned to the Pacific Northwest and put down roots...gaining a house and a child, Darice (Ratzlaff).  Ernest had a distinguished career in Finance at Boeing that spanned thirty years.

Ernest kept busy in retirement working with a variety of charities and supporting long-term Christian missions.  He became an adept woodworker, and enjoyed singing in the choir at Overlake Christian Church.  He loved the Pacific Northwest, especially the fishing and the golfing.

Ernest will be fondly remembered and missed by many people.  He always took time to encourage and help along the way and leave a smile.  We take comfort in knowing he is Home with his Savior Christ Jesus.

Ernest is preceded in death by his parents and his three sisters.  He is survived by his wife, Linette, and his daughters, Darice (Dean), and Deborah.  Memorial contributions may be to New Life Church in Renton, WA (www.nlchurch.com).  Ernest was laid to rest with military honors at Tahoma National Cemetery.  A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, May 17th at 11:00 a.m. at New Life Church, 15711 152nd Ave. S.E., Renton, WA.

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