Obituary of Ernest D. Spainhower

Ernest Spainhower passed on April 22, 2020 at his home in Cortland. He was pre-deceased by his mother, Jessie Warner. Ernie grew up in Lisle, NY where he became a Boy Scout at an early age, and that experience piqued his curiosity and interest in the natural world. As an Eagle Scout, he spent his summers at Camp Purchase and it was there where he began his career as a teacher by sharing his knowledge and love of nature with his fellow scouts. Ernie was a lifelong learner and he had a deep appreciation for the environment. He enjoyed being outside which allowed him to hone his skills on plant and animal identifications. Graduating from Cortland City Schools in 1963, Ernie enrolled at Cortland State where his focus was in biological sciences. After receiving his BS degree from SUNY Cortland, Ernie had the opportunity to return to his alma mater to share his knowledge teaching high school science while he obtained his MS degree. After a short time working in local industry, he went back to teaching as a biology instructor at SUNY Cortland. He retired from the college as Instructor of Biological Sciences Emeritus in 2000. In 2002 Ernie was honored by the college for being a valued member of the faculty and presented with a plaque for Outstanding Contributions to the SUNY Biological Sciences Department. In his retirement Ernie continued to collect field data on existent local species, as well as volunteering to participate in educational nature hikes and bird counts. Friends who knew Ernie will always marvel in his vast understanding and knowledge of so many topics. He could speak proficiently on biological as well as political sciences, world history, the arts, religions, and so much more. Ernie always exuded such a respect for all life, nurturing everyone to appreciate our environment. He will be truly missed by his dearest friends, colleagues, former students and all who had the opportunity to know him, especially his cousin, Debbie Lis, and dear friends, Ted and Dawn Larison, Bob Cotanche, Jim and Joanne Barry and their families. In lieu of funeral services, per his wishes, Ernie asks that his friends take memorial hikes to enjoy our surroundings. Contributions may be made on line at RedDragonNetwork.org/ErnieSpainhower or checks can be written to the Cortland College Foundation, designate in memo section for "Outdoor Ed Program Fund", IMO – Ernie Spainhower (in memory of) or to the Cortland SPCA.