Ernest Byron Robinson, 95, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025, in Vista, California.

Ernie was born on May 7, 1929, in Medford, Oregon, to Elbert and Letty Robinson.  He was the youngest of five brothers who loved the outdoors almost as much as they enjoyed blaming each other for their childhood antics. Ernie worked hard at home and learned the plaster trade from his father. His high school English teacher told him that he could get all A’s if he opened his books at home, but he preferred to hunt, fish, and explore the countryside. He graduated from high school in 1947, and shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the Air Force. Ernie learned electrical engineering as an airman and was stationed on tiny Johnston Island where he worked on the bomb project during the Korean War.

After his military service, Ernie moved to Southern California where he worked as a plaster contractor and became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. While on his mission in Orange County, he met his future wife, Judy Kay, and they went to Disneyland on their first date. Six months later they were married and made their home in Buena Park. Ernie learned to build houses, earned his General Contractor’s license, and moved to Vista to buy land and build spec houses. He was a successful builder in Vista for twenty-five years who had a reputation for honesty and quality. His best work was the house he built on the hill where he lived for forty years. If you visited him there on a clear day, he would point toward the ocean and show you Catalina Island in the distance.

When Ernie was 43 years old, he welcomed his only child, Julie Lynne. He was a loving and devoted father who never missed a dance recital, Girl Scout cookie drive, or high school cheerleading event.  He taught Julie Lynne to love the Lord Jesus Christ, to work hard, and to remove the word “can’t” from her vocabulary.  These lessons continue to bear fruit in her life today.

At the age of 78, Ernie was overjoyed to meet his one and only grandson, Carter. He loved to hold baby Carter, to chase him around the playground, and to watch him perform in school plays. They shared many bowls of vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and a cherry. Carter was the cherry on top of Ernie’s life.

Ernie is survived by his beloved daughter, Julie Lynne Calfin, his son-in-law, Matthew Calfin, his grandson, Carter Calfin, and several loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers (their wives), and his wife.

Ernie’s life was marked by his kindness and resilience. He will be remembered fondly for his many unconventional adventures in and around Vista.