Individual Details

Ernie L. Briles, 58, of Victor, Mont., better known as "The Grumpy Old Man of the Bitterroot," passed at his home, peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, April 8, 2006, at 9 a.m. Up to his last day, Ernie refused to allow his illness to stop him from working hard to make his mini refuge a beautiful place to share with friends and family.
He was born in Napa Valley on Aug. 17, 1947. Ernie is survived by his mother, Ruth Briles of Napa; brother, Tom and wife Pam of Vacaville; his niece, Angela Briles; three great nephews including Travis, Kyle and Ryan; and nephew, Robert Panak. Ernie is also survived by an aunt, an uncle and many cousins.
Ernie lived in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana that he loved, for the past 10 years. He was known in California and Montana as an avid sportsman. A man who adored nature, he gave back to it tenfold. Ernie was well known for his work and dedication to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in Napa. Ernie had the opportunity to hunt with his beloved father's rifle this past fall. He took two beautiful whitetail bucks. He then stated, "I shall hunt no more forever."
He will be missed very deeply by his friends and family in both Napa Valley and the Bitterroot Valley. At Ernie's request, there will be no services. Arrangements are under the care of the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton, Mont.

Birth	17 Aug 1947	Napa Valley, California, United States
Death	8 Apr 2006	Victor, Montana, United States

Father	John Edmund Briles (1916 - 2003)
Mother	Ruth Geraldine Ogan (1928 - 2015)
Sibling	Thomas E. Briles (1950 - 2007)