On August 26, 2021 Ernest Eugene Burlison left this world to join our heavenly father.

Ernest Burlison was born in Glendive to Ernest Burlison Sr. and Margaret Blythe on March 4, 1955. He was the 18th of 19 children. Ernie would tell you it was his, her’s and theirs together. Not that it mattered to Ernie. His belief was family was family. There was no half or step, that was simply nonsense.

As a child Ernie had a knack for finding mischief. When he began to find too much mischief he decided to change his course by joining one of the toughest military branches. In December of 1976 he joined the Marine Corps. There he served as a machine gunner and an addictions counsellor. During his service he was awarded pistol marksman badge, national defense service medal and good conduct medal.

In 1988 he married Gail Fox. It was then he took on the role of Dad to Heidi Fox. They completed their family with their daughter Serenity and son Ernest. The family moved around Montana for Ernie’s jobs. He would take on jobs such as farm and ranch hand, oil rig worker, cook, roofer and mechanic. Ernie was the definition of jack-of-all-trades. Ernie and Gail spent 20 years together.

Ernie was never an idle man. In his free time he could be found hunting or fishing. Although he loved outdoor sports, his greatest love was his family. He loved to brag about his children and grandchildren. They were his pride and joy, nothing else came close to the love he held for them.

Ernie is survived by his daughters, Heidi Fox (significant other Carlos) and Serenity McQuiston (husband Cody); son, Ernest (Buddy) Burlison (significant other Kristen); grandchildren, Kairi Leary, Isabell, Gunnar and Paige McQuiston, Harmony, Morgan, Miaya and Floyd Burlison; sisters, Emily Burris, Peggy Belenski, Beatrice Merrell, Della Kabanuck (husband Galen), and Sarah Honeyman (significant other Floyd); brother Pat Burlison (wife Sue); and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Blythe; and 12 siblings.

Ernie will be deeply missed by his family and friends.