Dr. Ernest Lane

Dr. Ernest Lane lived of life of service and integrity. Growing up in Chicago, he enlisted in the Army at age 17 and served as a staff sergeant in Japan during World War II.

After returning from the war, he completed his medical degree at the University of Illinois and completed an internship at St. Vincent's Hospital in Portland. He began his career as a general practitioner in internal medicine and retired from Kaiser Permanente in 1989.

During his medical career, he participated in medical missionary projects including a year with CARE-Medico in Kuala Lipis in Malaysia and in Mbingo, Cameroon. He was grateful for being able to receive most of his medical education through the GI Bill, and he wanted to give back by using his medical knowledge to help people in needy countries.

He married Leah in 1989, and they shared an interest in rural life particularly forestry and gardening. In addition, they experienced the joy of a blended family with 7 children, 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Ernest and Leah enjoyed many seasons of live theatre at Clackamas Repertory Theatre, and traveling in Europe and Ireland.

Outside of travel and his career, Dr. Lane had many interests including music, sculpture, drawing, farming, writing poetry and personal reflections on science and religion, as well as OPB. He particularly enjoyed Oregon Field Guide and Oregon Art Beat.

Dr. Lane included OPB in his will because he considered the programming to be educational and of healthy content. In additional to OPB, Dr. Lane supported many other organizations including Mercy Corps, Clackamas Community College, Environmental Defense Fund, Knox College and University of Illinois.