Ernest W. Pilz's Obituary
On Tuesday June 29, 2010, Ernest Pilz (62) of South San Francisco was ushered into the arms of the Lord by his dear wife Antoinette (Toni) and very close friends singing "What A Friend We Have in Jesus" and "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot". Ernie, a country boy at heart, hailed from the great state of Missouri and as a U.S. Marine was decorated with the Purple Heart, fulfilling the great command: "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). Following three tours of duty in Vietnam, his warm and inviting smile captivated his soon-to-be bride Antoinette. Settling down in the San Francisco Bay area, Ernie found great joy and friendships servicing customers at Serramonte Ford for over 25 years and for several years his own business: "Ernie's Garage" with his motto being "I care". Yes, Ernie cared for others and one of his greatest thrills was making other people smile. In 1980, Ernie had a life changing experience when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Years of humble and charitable service at Church of the Highlands followed and notably, he was honored as "Person of the Year" for his selfless, faithful service as a bus driver. Ernie loved the ocean and enjoyed taking Antoinette to Rockaway and Pescadero beaches, sharing sandwiches and ice cream. He was more like a father than stepfather to both his surviving son and daughter, Don (Laura) and Dena (Tim). Ernie was passionate about working with his hands (whether it be fixing a truck or crafting cabinets for the kitchen), listening to music by the Bee Gees and Kennie G., and was a big fan of Western & War movies with John Wayne being his biggest hero. Ernie was accepting of everyone and never had an unkind word to say, not looking for nor finding fault in others. In 1990, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and given only 5 years to live, but was blessed with another 20 years of life. This past year, Ernie had been undergoing intensive treatment for an aggressive form of cancer that had been diagnosed in his brain in early 2009. Of late, Ernie and Antoinette read and shared their favorites Scriptures, one being: "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22). There is saying, "You know a person by his friends" and fittingly his headstone caption states: "Beloved by all who knew him". Finally, Ernie embodied the famous U.S. Marines motto "Semper Fidelis", which is Latin for "Always Faithful".Ernie is preceded in death by his father Ernest, and survived by his mother Phyllis, his lovely wife Antoinette, his stepchildren Don (Laura) and Dena (Tim), two siblings (Phyllis and Carol), many loving sisters-in-laws and brothers-in-laws, grandchildren (Anthony, Amanda, Rebecca, Megan), many nieces and nephews, and a host of beloved & treasured friends. Funeral: On July 9th 2010, the Viewing (12:30-1:30pm) and Internment/Committal - Family and close friends (2 pm) will be held at SkyLawn Cemetery in San Mateo (Highway 92 and Skyline Blvd). Phone: 650-349-4411; Website: www.lifemarkgroup.comMemorial Service / Celebration of Ernie's Life: On July 17th, a memorial service starting at 11am will be held at The Bridge church in San Mateo. Following the service there will be a reception. Address: 1950 Elkhorn Court San Mateo, Ca. 94403. Website: www.thebridge4sq.org. Phone: 650-287-2623. In his last days, Ernie was provided exceptional care and support by the staff at the VA Hospital in Palo Alto. In thanksgiving for this wonderful care and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send your gifts to the ongoing care for the Veterans: VA Palo Alto Hospice and Palliative Care Center 3801 Miranda Avenue 100-4A Palo Alto, Ca. 94304. Phone (650) 849-0550
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