Ernest I. Santiago

Ernest I. Santiago, 85, succumbed to injuries sustained in an accident while working on his truck at his residence on January 10,2014. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii he witnessed the attack on Pearl Harbor at age 12 while delivering newspapers that morning. At age 17 he joined the U.S. Army and while stationed in Germany he met and married his wife of 65 years Hilde. After Germany he was stationed back in Hawaii where his four children were born. Two more tours in Germany followed where he and his family were able to travel throughout Europe. His Army career spanned 24 years and included a tour in the Korean War where he was awarded the Bronze Star for transporting the wounded in combat to M.A.S.H. units. He was also awarded the Purple Heart and a total of 24 awards and campaign ribbons including ones for a tour in Vietnam. After the Army he pursued his love of automobiles by becoming a heavy equipment mechanic at Coast Counties in Salinas until his retirement at age of 65. Settling down in Carmel Valley he enjoyed his daily long walks in Garland Park where he made numerous friends as well as volunteering at the Carmel Valley Community Center helping and serving meals to seniors. He was preceded in death by his younger brother Donald and his son Wayne. He is survived by his wife Hilde, sons Gale of Turlock, Darrell (Liz) of Prunedale and daughter Doreen Torrey(Patrick) of Pebble Beach, eight grandchildren and 2 and a half great -grandchildren. Services will be held Friday, February 14, 2014 at 11:30 at Mission Mortuary, 450 Camino El Estero, Monterey CA. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the donor's charity of choice.