Ernest A. Medeiros (Uncle Ernie) died at the Royal Nursing Home in Falmouth on Nov. 11, Veterans Day. He was 79.

He was born May 4, 1935, to Ernest S. and Evelyn (Metell) Medeiros.

Ernie enlisted in the Navy and trained as a dentist’s assistant where he earned a Good Conduct Medal. After discharge from the Navy he returned to the Island and worked as a house painter for most of his life. When it began to be too hard to climb ladders anymore he got into furniture restoration, knife sharpening and screen repair. He loved dogs and training dogs to hunt rabbits and birds. He often had a pair of beagles for rabbit hunting that he shared with friends Bill Silva, Lee Welch and Bob Rose.

Ernie taught his sons Eric and Jeffrey how to hunt and fish. He was even able to hunt and fish with his grandchildren Matthew and Evelyn on occasion which made it an extra special outing. He loved to read all sorts of novels, history books and especially articles on hunting. He was always up on the newest guns or loads for everything from squirrels to deer. A few years ago he read about a new Browning shot gun said to be “the latest best thing” for deer hunting and had to have it. When he showed up for deer hunting with it, his son Eric told him he was crazy and that gun was a waste of money. It was not going to help him get a deer. That year he shot six deer with that gun just to prove him wrong. The gang rightfully named the gun “black death.”

He continued hunting until three years ago when he finally had to admit that while he was still able to carry the gun through the woods he was no longer able to lift it to his shoulder if a deer ran by him. It was obvious that being out in the woods with his gang of friends meant more to him than being able to shoot anything. He cherished the days of hunting with his pals Bill Silva, Lee Welch, Bob Williston, Steve Amaral, Bob Rose and the whole Rose Gang.

Ernie was also proud to be in the Island’s first class for EMTs. He was on the Island’s first town ambulance squad in Edgartown. He also served on the West Tisbury fire department for many years and was a big part of running the department’s burger booth at the fair each year with his friend David Merry.

Above all, Ernie loved people and loved to talk. Running into Ernie in the market or the street was always good for a half hour — whether you were ready or not, he had a story for you or a recipe to tell you about that he had tried, as he loved to cook.

Ernie is survived by his former wife Margaret (Corio) St. Pierre, son Jeffrey Medeiros, daughter in law Lisa and grandson Christopher (CJ) of Delaware, son Eric, daughter in law Karen; granddaughters Emily and Evelyn, and grandson Matthew of Vineyard Haven; and his sister Frances Evans of Falmouth.

Services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20 at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven with military honors provided by Veterans of Martha’s Vineyard.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living Supportive Day Program PO Box 1729, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 or the West Tisbury Firemen’s Civic Association, PO Box 211, West Tisbury, MA 02575.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.