Ernest “Ernie” Joseph Gourneau III

August 1, 1979 – February 4, 2024

Ernie was born August 1st, 1979, to Ernest Gourneau Jr. and Debra (Smith) Gourneau in Portland, Oregon.

Ernie was an adventurous happy kid when growing up. He enjoyed building forts, tree houses, and bike ramps, along with riding GoKarts and bikes.

Ernie attended Menlo Park Elementary School, Floyd Light Middle School, David Douglas High School and finished his education at Mt. Hood Community College.

He enjoyed construction class, and loved to draw, but his passion was electronics. Building, repairing, or creating with electronics, it didn’t matter Ernie would do it all.

Ernie’s life took a turn when he was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes at the age of 17. He managed the diabetes the best he could but eventually it started to take a toll on his quality of life.

By 2011 Ernie had lost his eyesight. Ernie continued to have additional health issues which eventually led to End Stage Renal Disease. Ernie put up a long, hard fight up until the end.

In 2004 Ernie became a father. His son Justin was the light of his life, and the reason he fought for so long.

Ernie is survived by his son Justin Gourneau (19), his parents Ernest and Debra Gourneau, his brother Brian Gourneau, Sister-In-Law Valerie Gourneau, Niece Audrey (17), and step kids Brianna Vaughn (26) and Isiah Lee (23), and numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

Ernie passed away peacefully on February 4th, 2024, at Adventist Medical Center in Portland, with his family by his side.
There will be a celebration of Ernie’s life later this year.