Ernie Irvin Mocaby

Ernie Irvin Mocaby was born April 11, 1927, in Grand Junction, Colorado, to Ernie and Ada Mocaby. The family moved to Boise, Idaho, when Ernie was 10 years old. At the age of 16, he started logging with his father. In 1944, during World War II, he enlisted into the Navy. Upon completion of training at NTC, San Diego, California, he was stationed at Waipio Amphibious Operating Base, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. While serving in the Pacific, Dad was on several ships: USS AUDRAIN (APA-59), USS BOUNTIFUL (AH-9), USS BRINKLEY BASS (DD-887), USS BENNER (DD-873), and the USS HAWKINS (DD-873).

At the end of the war, Ernie witnessed the atomic bomb testing at Bikini Atoll. In 1948, he was honorably discharged from the Navy and returned to Boise, Idaho. In 1950, he was called back to serve in the Korean War and was assigned to the USS RUPERTUS (DD-851) and again was honorably discharged in 1953. In 1970, Ernie reenlisted into the Naval SeaBees reserves. After 26 years of combined service, he retired in 1990 as a Chief Petty Officer.

IN 1946, while home on leave, he met the love of his life, Donna Tiller, at the downtown Walgreens drug store. On June 13, 1948, they were married in Winnemucca, Nevada. They were blessed with three children, five grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.

Ernie worked heavy construction in Boise for several years and retired at the age of 65. He enjoyed several hobbies such as hunting, fishing, and taking trips in their motor home. His favorite hobby was building racecars to run at the Meridian Speedway. He had great success with his cars and still holds the dirt track record for fastest time. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR, trips to Reno and Jackpot, Nevada.

Ernie was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Donna; his brothers, Gene, Albert, George, and Doug Mocaby; and his sister, Barbara Pittman.

Ernie is survived by this three children, Gerald (Esterlina), Dennis, and Debra Williams (Don); brothers, Blaine and Roy (Connie); and sister Lavada Shaw.

Ernie will be interred with full military honors at a later date at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery.