Ernest Caudill

Ernest (Ernie) Caudill was born in Kentucky on June 9, 1937 and died in Salt Lake City on Dec. 4, 2010.
His story in his own words is that his parents were killed in a bar brawl when he was two years old. He then lived with his aunt and uncle. His uncle was a preacher for the Church of Christ and they moved to Detroit. Ernie told us that he was not treated well. The movie, "Savannah Smiles" was difficult for him to watch. The little boy in the end of the movie that is running behind the truck and being left behind reminded him of himself.
Ernie left when he was not even a teen-ager and learned how to survive by himself and on his own on the streets.
He found whatever work he could and eventually became a good painter.
He has a special place in our heart. He took care of our mother, Norma Anderson and also J.R.'s mother, Bertha Stewart and even mom's neighbor Harriet Brooks throughout the years. A quote from our Mom : "During the time Bertha was in my home, I could not have managed her without the help of Ernie. Ernie moved into our neighborhood and it seemed he came to the aid of many on our street. He assisted me with her care in more ways than I can mention. He has continued helping me throughout my life." In 2001 we gave Mom a book of her life. We had each family member write a message to her. This is Ernie's message... "I first met Norma Anderson in 1980. I was taking care of 'Mugs' Walsh just up the street three doors from Norma's house. I painted her house at that time and soon realized what a special lady she is. I also grew to love Harriet Brooks at this time. I miss Harriet and often look over at her house and think about her. Over the years I have tried to help Norma as much as I could. I helped her with Bertha when she lived with her. I miss Bertha too. I love Norma like a mother and enjoy helping her and will continue to help her always." Ernie enjoyed meeting with and feeding the missionaries and was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.. Ernie helped everyone on Redondo Ave. He mowed lawns, shoveled snow and whatever else needed to be done. Ernie had no family, just ours. He was so good to our Mom and helped her to be able to stay in her home until she died. We promised Mom that Ernie could stay in her home and that we would give him a proper burial next to her and our dad and brother Dean.

Ernie was diagnosed with prostate cancer in Feb. of 2007. The cancer was metastasized at that time. He enjoyed good health until the last few months. He had tremors that began in his hands, and moved to his arms and legs and it was hard to see him go through all the discomfort he was experiencing. Ernie met his good friend Oscar Guillen at Pathway's (A center providing meals and activities). We will always be thankful and express our gratitude to Oscar for his friendship. He has been more than just a friend. He and Ernie went to the dollar movies together, shopped for groceries and watched old television movies. Oscar drove Ernie to his doctor appointments, mowed his lawn and prepared meals for him when he couldn't do it himself. He is the reason that Ernie was able to stay in his home. It was Ernie that made the decision just about two weeks ago that he needed to be where someone could help him all the time. Just last week, JR and Bethany visited him at the Hillside Rehabilitation Center and watched the BYU and U of U football game. Ernie sat on the couch with them in the dining room. One of the staff was celebrating a birthday, and he even had some birthday cake. His shoulder was injured from two falls he had earlier and it was hard for him to move very well. He was sleepy and would nod off occasionally, but enjoyed being with them and watching the game. Oscar came to visit with him and watched the 2nd half of the game too. It is hard to believe that in just one week he would die. In just a few days, he could no longer get out of bed. We visited with him the night before he died. We are so thankful for the wonderful care he was receiving. He was so well cared for and seemed at peace and comfortable in his surroundings. He was able to look us in the eyes, but could not speak. We kissed him and told him we loved him. He tried to tell us he loved us too. He didn't need to say the words, we knew it!
Bethany and J.R Stewart and Family



We all are so grateful for Bethany and JR, they took over the care of Ernie's finances, making sure he had all his needs taken care of. His medical appointments arranged and his medications set up for him. His good friend Oscar was extremely helpful to take him places, but mostly just by being a kind and generous friend. Checking on Ernie almost daily. Bob and I were able to visit Ernie on Saturday the 4th about half and hour before he died. He was unresponsive but breathing without difficulty and had a regular pulse. He was warm, clean shaven, clean and looked comfortable. We sat with him for a while and were able to express our love and gratitude for him and for his love and care for Mom. We also want to thank the staff at Hillside Rehab center. We will certainly miss him. He has been a part of our lives for 30 years. He taught us tolerance, understanding, unconditional love, and patience with those less fortunate. Ernie was a friend to everyone and anyone. Barbara and Bob Ekblad and Family


Our cherished memories of Ernie were the times he was able to spend time in our home for family holiday dinners. He enjoyed seeing our grandchildren and I can still see the joy he expressed as he joked and interacted with them. We gave Ernie a DVD set of the fictional story of the Thomas family authored by Dean Hughes, I spent some enjoyable times with Ernie discussing the interesting times depicted in that story. I also wish to express my thanks to JR and His family for the Selfless love and care that provided Ernie with an exceptional quality of life, I believe that Ernie had a great mentor in our mom and the unconditional love that she willingly gave became a trademark for him. We are taught that our capacity for love of others needs to be nourished by doing. How true that is. We should feel thankful that we were given the opportunity to learn to love Ernie .
David, Doris Anderson and Family