Ernest E. Cabrera , M.D., passed away peacefully on Monday, August 16, 2021 at the age of 81. "Ernie," was born in Camag üe y, Cuba on July 29, 1940 to his father, Arvelio Cabrera and his mother, Orfelina Perez.

As a child growing up in Cuba, he developed both his strong work ethic by shining shoes in the "plaza"  and his thick skin by learning to outsmart and even outrun his two mischievous older brothers who loved to taunt and prank him ! Rumor has it there were plenty of times Ernie joined in on the mischief!

S ens ing the growing political unrest in Cuba , his mother made arrangements for each of her children to emigrate to the United States . Incredibly, within a few years, and without knowing much E nglish, Ernie, graduated from Broadview Adventist Academy in 1957 . He later moved to Southern California where he completed his undergraduate work at La Sierra College. It was also during this time that he met his wife-to-be, Hilda Marie Re q u e nez . Never one to waste time and because he knew a good thing when he saw it, the two were married within six months of laying eyes on each another . They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on December 2020.

Soon after, their first child, Venessa, and their second child, Edward were born . And, w hile studying medicine in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, they welcomed their 3 rd child, Robert . Ernie and the family thrived as he studied. As someone who found nothing impossible, h e also took it upon himself to translate Pharmacology class into English as a way to encourage several of his friends from the United States to study medicine alongside him . It is said that many adventures took place while living and studying " south of the border "!

Ernie graduated from medical school in 1969 , did his internship in Canada , and returned to Armeria , Colima, Mexico to finish his social service work . He went on to complete a residency in Family Practice Medicine , Cardiovascular Surgery, and E mergency M edicine in the United States .

One might suggest that as a result of having grown up with two prankish, though, well-meaning older brothers , and developing a strong work ethic as a shoe shine kid in Cuba , Ernie became your typical " O ver a chiever"; But those closest to him—his family and friends—and the many people he helped along the way, know that there was nothing "typical" about him; and that he "overachieved" and did the big and hard things simply because he loved people and he loved God. A devout Seventh-day Adventist , Ernie found meaning and purpose in helping others succeed in life and in health.

He loved western movies, attending gun shows, and flying his own private plane. T here was no adventure too big , no job too hard , and no taking, "No," for an answer! Indeed, h e epitomized Frank Sinatra's song, "My Way," as he certainly lived life his way and on his own terms .

Ernie lived and worked in many states but he loved none more than Texas. Which is f itting for the Cuban Cowboy he was . In 2000, he bought Stinson RV Park and moved to Zapata, Texas, where he served the community for the past 20 years.

Left to continue his legacy of love, adventure, and hope is his loving and enduring wife, Hilda, his three children, Venessa, Edward, and Robert; his daughter-in-law, Maricela; his beloved grandchildren , Elisa, Abby, and Eddie; his siblings, Margie, Evita, Eddie, and Henry; and his many extended family members and close friends.

Buried among the Mesquites, Ernie is now one with the land he loved .

A private family service was held on the evening of his passing.