Ernest Gilmore Cromar Jr., BHS 1950

Ernest Gilmore Cromar Jr., BHS 1950

Ernest Gilmore Cromar was born in Burbank, California to Ernest Royal and Ruth Cromar on July 11, 1932. Ernie grew up in Burbank. He attended Burbank High school, where he excelled in track and basketball. After graduating from Burbank High in 1950, he continued his education at the University of Southern California.

Ernie left USC to serve in the United States Air Force in 1952. He was stationed in Turkey for most of his time in the Air Force. After Ernie returned home upon his honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1954, he began his 40+ year career at Universal Studios.

It was at Universal Studios that he met his future wife, Jean Louise Dow, who he married on November 3, 1956. Ernie and Jean lived in North Hollywood after they married. In 1961, Ernie and Jean moved to Canoga Park (now West Hills), where they raised their three children. Ernie liked nothing more than being at home. From the start, he worked hard as he made his home and raised his family. He delighted in summer afternoons in his back yard watching the kids grow up.

In his later years after the kids left home, he still enjoyed many quiet hours in the comfort of his home. Ernie loved sports. A standout high school athlete, his passion for sports carried through his entire life. And the main focus of his passion was USC football. He steadfastly supported the USC Trojan football teams through all their successes and failures over the years.

While USC was first in his heart, the other Los Angeles teams were there, too -- Ernie followed the Dodgers and Lakers from the time the teams arrived in Los Angeles. He enjoyed surf and deep-sea fishing. Ernie loved the beach -- when the kids were small, Ernie took the family to Faria County Park in Ventura every year to where he spent long summer days in the tide pools or on the beach fishing.

Ernie was surrounded by his family when he passed away on the afternoon of January 3, 2011 in West Hills, California. Ernie is survived by his wife, Jean, his sons Robert Ernest (Kathleen) and Ronald Ernest (Jodi); his daughter Kimberly Joan (Olivia "Libby") and grandchildren Daniel Robert, Rebecca Louise, James Patrick, Gregory Joseph, Lauren Louise, Lindsey Rose and Emily Joan.Ernie, husband, father and grandfather will live in our hearts forever. Gates Kingsley Gates Praiswater Morturay is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial Services will be on Friday, January 14, 2011, 11:00 a.m., at Gates Kingsley Gates Praiswater Mortuary, 6909 Canoga Ave., Canoga Park. In lieu of flowers, make donations to the Motion Picture and Television Fund at www.mptvfund.org Services entrusted to the care of Gates Kingsley & Gates Praiswater Mortuary Canoga Park (818) 348-3354 www.gateskingsleygates.com

Inurnment Service is at Oakwood Memorial Park, Chatsworth , California

Published in Los Angeles Daily News on January 9, 2011