Ernie D. Sierra

Ernest Daniel Sierra was also known as Stevie and more commonly known as Ernie. Ernie was born in Arlington Ca on July 31, 1951, to Pete Sierra and Lola Cazares Sierra. He grew up in the camps of Huron, California before moving to Avenal, California. He attended Huron Elementary School, Coalinga Middle School, and graduated from Coalinga High School in 1969. Ernie attended West Hills College Coalinga and transferred to CSU Northridge where he pursued a double major in Art and Math. Upon returning home Ernie began working for PG&E where he was highly esteemed by his crew, known for his wit, ingenuity, and remote grilling skills. He worked there for 35 years before retiring in 2007. Ernie and Rosa Soto Sierra welcomed their son Pete in 1982, married in 1983, and completed their family with the birth of their daughter Danielle in 1985. Ernie was a devoted family man who was intentional about creating memories for a lifetime. A gift of his creation that now comforts their hearts. Ernie was a man of many wonders and talents. He could often be seen in his front yard watering the lawn, artistically trimming trees, and gardening his rose bush. He loved camping adventures and going fishing just about anywhere. He loved to read and often traveled with a book. The beach was one of his favorite places where he would walk along the shore, or build large fortress castles with his kids and brave the waves as the tide came in. Ernie was first and foremost an artist who put his artistic license into everything he made. This was evident in his wooden sculptures, surrealist drawings, soft-glazed paintings, manufactured mechanical parts, wardrobes with hidden compartments, and definitely in his custom BBQ grill where he would make the best tri-tip, a true work of art. Ernie loved his community, especially during the Friday night lights of Buccaneer Football season. It began with a proud father video recording his son's games and would lead to him recording the official film for the team. He recorded the games for 15 years. During this time many young men would benefit from his kindness and wisdom on and off the field where he was affectionately called “Pops.” If you have a tape from him, know he spent intentional time creating that, especially for you. All of his nieces and nephews adored their Uncle Ernie, and he in turn loved them so completely. Ernie didn’t just love animals but saw them as special creatures who saw more than people did. He loved his dogs, JoJo and Kyoko. He adored his Black Cats and welcomed all strays for a meal on his porch. The absence of such a great man is felt so completely by his wife and children. Ernie was patient, except when teaching someone to drive a stick shift, he was always kind, giving of his time and talents, and most of all so full of love. Ernie would always say, “Love is sacrifice.” A truth he learned from the death and resurrection of Christ. That sacrificial love of his will echo into every person he touched lifetimes after he is gone

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