Parker Hiatt Ernest

Parker Ernest, beloved father, son and brother, died at age 36, on Monday October 10th, 2022.
He was born on February 14th, 1986 and grew up in Fort Collins. As a child he loved dressing up as any hero, karate, snowboarding, wrestling, and soccer. His brilliant blue eyes were the first thing anyone would notice about him. From six days old he was in wrestling gyms watching his dad coach and referee and learning moves from all the wrestlers. This community of generations who loved the sport, the dedication, and each other was a constant presence in his life. He coached and refereed alongside his dad and became well respected by students and parents, and other coaches and referees. He and his dad loved attending many NCAA National Wrestling Championships together. Parker loved his sister from the moment she arrived and included her in all of his childhood play. They were so close and his devotion to her was deep throughout their lives. His tender love towards his mom was always evident and is manifest in the treasured original garden boxes that he made for her.

After graduating from Fort Collins High School, Parker attended CSU and worked a variety of jobs in the restaurant industry. He later finished his schooling at FRCC with an associates degree. He looked forward to tailgating with his buds every season for the CSU rams and was a part of a number of fantasy football teams.
His career interest began when he worked for Connie McChesney, a ranch owner in the Wellington area. She taught and mentored him in many aspects of ranch maintenance and his interest in all things construction was born. He next worked for Aztec Fencing. Parker and his former wife, Annie Hiatt, were married and began All Elements Fencing in 2014. They welcomed their daughter, Fiona Ann the following year. As years passed with that company, a vision was launched to become a general contractor and he apprenticed in the trade with David
Doll. Next, he supervised custom home building with LifeStyle Homes. Parker had recently begun working for Forge and Bow and was excited about this new adventure.

He is survived by his daughter, Fiona Ann Ernest and former wife Annie Hiatt, his parents Bill and Sandy Ernest, his sister Hannah Ernest Requa, brother in law Spencer Requa and their children Charlotte and Pierce. His maternal grandparents, Jim and Carol McIntyre. Aunt Heidi & Greg Brewster and their son Colin, his wife Payton and daughters Lennon and Lucca. Aunt Laura and Tom Nieb and their children Darcie Schroeder, her husband Bill, Kris Nieb, his wife Shannon and their sons Sebastian and Beckett, Andy Nieb and his wife Maggie and their daughters Mason and Rory. Uncle Mike Ernest and Uncle Scott and April Ernest and their son Liam. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Max and Mary Ernest.

Beyond all else, Parker loved his family.

The Parker Ernest Memorial Fund has been established to supply wrestling shoes to young wrestlers and uniforms to rookie referees. May his generosity, kindness, and quiet excellence in the sport be continued for years to come. Donations can be made directly to Bill and Sandy Ernest or at any First Bank branch to the fund.