Ernest Ganas

Army Lt. Col. (Ret), Master Army Aviator, Community Leader, Beloved Brother, Husband, Father, Uncle, Grandfather and loyal Friend.

With deep love and enduring respect, we announce the passing of Ernest Peter Sinclair Ganas on May 8, 2025, at the age of 82.

Born in Quebec, Canada, on October 27, 1942, Ernie moved to the United States with his family at age of three and proudly became a U.S. citizen, spending his high school years in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and began a lifelong journey of service, learning, and leadership.

At just 17, Ernie enlisted in the United States Army, fulfilling a dream of flying that would span both military and civilian life. He began his Army career as a combat medic, later becoming a senior aidman in a rifle company in Europe and, ultimately graduating from the elite Officer Candidate School, one of only 62 to complete a class that began with 134 candidates.

His aviation career was as vast as it was impactful. He trained in both helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft, completed the Maintenance Officer’s Course, and served in Vietnam, where he flew a rotary wing (helicopter) and specialized in aircraft recovery, testing and released them back into war. Throughout his 26-year career, he commanded 400 man unit in Korea, managed logistics in San Francisco and Oakland, and helped design the Army automation systems that supported Operation Desert Storm.

He retired in 1987 as a Lieutenant Colonel and Master Army Aviator, having dedicated his life to duty, precision, and leadership.

In his second chapter, Ernie continued to serve and innovate. He cofounded ACAD Academy, teaching AutoCAD as a certified Autodesk trainer, and later started a Microsoft training center. He worked for Collateral Specialists Inc., and eventually turned to volunteering, offering his time and talents to a wide range of civic and aviation causes.

A lifelong pilot, Ernie bought a Bonanza aircraft in 1992 and flew in formation with 134 planes from California to Oshkosh, WI, with his 14-year-old grandson Kaleb. He was an active member of Gnoss Field, cooked breakfast for gatherings, and introduced children to planes and flying through the Young Eagles program.

In recognition of his half century of distinguished flying, Ernie received the prestigious “Wright Brothers Award” from the FAA.

He earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the College of Notre Dame and an MBA from Golden Gate University.

Ernie also gave back through board and volunteer service:

· Board member for CSD Bel Marin Keys and Novato Creek Watershed (8 years each)

· Member of the Marin County Airport Commission (18 years)

· Active in organizations such as Quiet Birdmen (QB), MOAA, VHPA, EAA, VFW, Marin Airman, GFCA, SIRs, and 5150 Car Club. He had a very deep appreciation for classic cars.

Ernie never did anything half-way, he was always ‘all in’.

Above all, Ernie was a man who led by example thoughtful, deeply intelligent, funny, and endlessly generous with his time and wisdom. He is predeceased by his wife, Helen and survived by his sons, Joseph Shoemake and William “Bill” Ganas, beloved daughter in law, Katinka Sante, grandson Kaleb Sante and his sisters Jacqueline Meyer, Robin Faris, and Patti Austin-Murray. He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and flight plus wonderful memories as an exceptional ‘big brother’.

On Wednesday, June 18, from 2-5pm, a Celebration of Life for Ernie will be held at Trek Winery, 1026 Machin Ave, Novato, CA 94945 where all are welcome. Please RSVP email: katinka.sante@comcast.net or call/text 415-342-1195.

Fly high, Ernie. You were one of a kind!