Longtime Blanca resident Ernest "Ernie" Tadao Hara, 95, died August 17, 2023 at his home in Blanca.

Ernie was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on April 16, 1928, the proud son of James Rikuo Hara and Edith Sachiyo Kamioka Hara. He married the love of his life, Marie K. Veary in Aberdeen, Maryland during his time serving in the U.S. Army.

Ernie worked for many years and until his retirement as a Chief Auditor for the City and County of Honolulu. After he moved to the San Luis Valley, he learned to work with his hands in many different skills and enjoyed helping build his home. He was a social butterfly and enjoyed conversing with people. Ernie also played the piano and sang, as music was a very large part of his life. He helped his daughter and son-in-law as the Host at Silver Sage Steakhouse in Fort Garland for a time. Ernie was a very devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and he supported his family in every endeavor. In his spare time, he enjoyed going to auctions.

Ernie is survived by his children Didi Hara of Blanca, CO, Darryl (Rebecca) Hara of Honolulu, Hawaii, Debra (Ray) Lukondi of Blanca, CO, and Pamela (Thomas) Yim of Honolulu, Hawaii; his grandchildren Jeremy K. (Leah) Yim, Ryan T.O. (Heather) Yim, Dru N. (Gabi) Hara, Louis C. (Rosanie) Lukondi, Dottie Rae (Joe) Cappuccilli, Kristin (Mario) Amezcua, and Jason Tannahill; as well as his nephews Paul Sexauer and Craig Hara; fourteen great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins, and extended family members and friends.

Ernie is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his brothers Clarence and Clifford, and his sister, Frances Sexauer.

Cremation was chosen and a Memorial Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 24, 2023 at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa.

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, remembrances, or words of comfort for Ernie's family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com