Ernest "Ernie" Loya, Jr., 89, of Laguna Niguel, CA, passed away on October 30, 2023 after a long battle with leukemia and dementia.

Ernie was born on October 1st, 1934 to Vera Candelaria and Ernest Loya in Salinas, CA.  Being raised during the Great Depression to migrant farm workers, Ernie moved practically every year of his young life.  Moving from Salinas to San Francisco before making his way to Los Angeles, CA and living in "the projects". With every move though, his Mother made it a point to always have him enrolled in a Catholic school.  For his last two years of high school, he transferred from Cathedral High School to Huntington Park HS, where he graduated in 1952.  Ernie was an exceptional student, testing in the top 10% of the nation.  Ernie excelled in sports, especially on the track team where he ran the mile, and earned a Track scholarship to UCLA.  Feeling out of place at UCLA, he joined the Army, serving two years in active duty and six years in the reserves.  With the G.I. Bill in hand, he completed his Engineering degree at Cal State LA. He worked for 35 years as an Engineer. Receiving a "Golden Hand-shake" at the age of 57, he retired from Rockwell International as a Manager in the Space Program.

In 1957, he met Lupe Dominguez, and they wed in 1959, going on to have three children, Fredrick "Ricky", Valerie and Christine. Ernie and Lupe moved from Los Angeles to Orange County in 1960.  Bought their first home in Westminster, before moving to Huntington Beach in 1965.  They eventially settled in Laguna Niguel in 2001, where Ernie passed away in his sleep.  

Ernie was very involved in his children's lifes. Encouraging them to play sports, especially run track (Endless days of running!).  He umpired and coached his kids' baseball and softball teams.  He was also active in many activities:  Indian Guides, Scuba Diving club, Bowling League, and the Men's Club at St. Bonaventure just to name a few.  In addition to the love of  travel, Ernie and Lupe owned vacation homes in Green Valley Lake and then a retirement home in Palm Desert, where they were active members of the Golf and social clubs.  

Ernie is survived by his wife, Lupe (64-years of marriage); his three children and three grandchildren: Alexandra, Katie, and Julia. His interment will be at Good Shepard Cemetary in Huntington Beach, CA.

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