Beloved LaClinica Physician Assistant Dies

Ernest William Segren, of Kennewick, died Sunday, September 13, 2009, in Seattle at the University of Washington Medical Center. "Ernie", aged 59, was born in Lewiston, Idaho to Bill and Pat Busch. He graduated from the Idaho State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, from Cameron University with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, and from the Physician Assistant program at the University of Utah. After serving in Vietnam as a nurse, Ernie served at Fort Polk, Fort Lewis, Fort Monmouth, and Fort Sill, finishing his career as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserves. After leaving the service, Ernie served as a PA-C in Wallace, Idaho, joined LaClinica in 1992, serving a short time in Lake Chelan as well. Ernie served at LaClinica until his death, garnering the respect of many in the medical community as well as the love and admiration of his patients.

His wife of six years, Carla Segren, an emergency room nurse, shared his love of medicine as well as many other activities in his very active life. Ernie played as diligently as he worked, enjoying mountain climbing, camping, flyfishing, golf, and sailing to name a few. He loved the Lord and all who knew him could see the difference his faith made in his life.

Ernie is survived by his wife Carla, parents Bill and Pat Busch of Clarkston, sons Paul Segren wife Karen of Longview, Erik Segren wife Cindy of Bellingham, and Richard Segren of Missoula, Montana.Grandchildren include from Paul Whitney Griffin, Dacey Hodges, and Connor Segren; from Eric Kelsey Segren and Drew Segren. Ernie is also survived by siblings Kay Roeder of Lewiston and Polly Schetzle of Clarkston.

The Memorial Service will be held Thursday, September 17, 2009, at 1:00pm, at Richland Baptist Church, Richland, WA. Here we will celebrate the life of a beloved husband, son, nephew, father, uncle, grandfather, and healer. Flowers may be sent to the church and memorial donations in memory of Ernest Segren may be sent to the University of Utah, School of Medicine, Physician Assistant program, 540 South Arapeen Drive, Suite 120, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108-1298, or call 801-581-440, or visit http://healthsciences.utah.edu/development/.

"But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things that God hath prepared for them that love Him." I Corinthians 2:9. Fair winds and following seas, dear Ernie.