Ernest Ernie P. de la Bretonne, age 82, a resident of Richland since 1944, died Wednesday, July 19, 2006, in Richland. Ernie was born September 25, 1923, in Los Angeles, CA, to Robert and Grace de la Bretonne.

Ernie was a Richland businessman, a printer, and the first to purchase commercial property in Richland when the government offered land for sale in 1958.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Inez, of 64 years; their three children, Ernie Jr. Marilyn and Irene Hays, both of Richland; Patricia de la Bretonne of Seattle; and a brother, Robert Verna Bretonne of San Grabriel, CA. He is survived by 6 grandchildren, Michael Hays Jill of Spokane; Cheri Masters and Shannon Hays-Truex Mike, both of Richland; Rick Tish de la Bretonne of Boise, ID; and Nicholas Klein of Seattle. He leaves behind 8 great grandchildren: Crystal Grinsenti Shawn and Bryan Hays of Twin Falls, ID; Brandon and Tyler Masters, and Mayra and Sean Truex, all of Richland; and Julia de la Bretonne of Boise, ID.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, the Reverend Robert and Grace de la Bretonne; brother, Charles de la Bretonne; and sister, Grace Zimmerman.

Ernie grew up in San Fernando, CA, and as a teenager served in the Civilian Conservation Corps. In school he enrolled in a printing class where his teacher told him he had potential to be a printer. In 1941, he married Inez Collicott, then of Yakima, and they lived in Seattle and Longview before he was drafted into the U.S. Navy.

In 1944, Ernie arrived in Richland where his first printing and typewriter repair work was at Hanford for DuPont and General Electric. Later, he started his own business, and with his wife, Inez, opened Ernie’s Typewriter Exchange and later Ernie’s Printing in downtown Richland next to the old Desert Inn on GW Way. Ernie purchased that property in 1958 and other business properties in Richland, including the historic Ganzel Building, the site of Richland’s first barbershop. On retirement in 1986, he sold his printing business to longtime shop foreman, business associate, and friend, Dick McLean.

For 47 years, Ernie was a member of Richland Rotary, and was awarded the coveted Paul Harris Award for his service. He was also honored for years of providing printing to the Richland Church of the Nazarene, where he was a member. He was also a lifetime member of the American Legion and, in his early years in Richland, was an active member of the Richland Junior Chamber of Commerce, at one time serving as chair of the annual Atomic Frontier Days.

Ernie, with Inez, enjoyed spending time at their condominium in Kauai and was generous in sharing the experience with his family. He had a keen wit and was a loyal and generous friend to many.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 26, at the Church of the Nazarene, 2500 Jericho Road, in Richland. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Richland.

Viewing will be Tuesday, July 25, 2006, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Einan’s Funeral Home. The family invites you to sign their online guest book at www.einansfuneralhome.com.