Ernest Daryl Hix, 70

Ernest Daryl Hix fought his way to the end of his eight-year battle with cancer, watched over by his family, until he found peace on Sept. 15, 2013.

Daryl, as he was called, was born Jan. 10, 1943, in Eugene, Ore., to Rose Hix Gage and his adopted father Willard Gage. The family traveled throughout Oregon and California working in the war factories and continuing at the Hanford Atomic Center. His mother was an authentic Rosie the Riveter.

Daryl lived his life with a strong will and an opinion to match. After a stint in the Air Force as an aerial photographer, he moved to Seattle where he was a member of the Boilermakers Union, working on construction of the ferries and cranes that were sent to Alaska. With his love of flying, he became a pilot with certification from single engines to flight instructor.

He met his wife Alvina in Seattle, and they had 49 years together. They were blessed with the birth of their son, Montage MacDaryl, in 1979.

In 1973, Daryl moved from Seattle to acreage he purchased in Kila. While living in an Army hospital tent, he designed and built a 16-sided round house. He worked several jobs in the area but liked being a gentleman rancher with a variety of animals, small orchard and huge garden. In the later years he enjoyed guarding his wife from mountain lions and bears so she could work her gardens. He loved hot rodding through the woods on his motorcycle and riding lawnmower.

He won several archery awards but could never shoot an animal, and enjoyed the variety of wildlife that visited our lawn. He was an avid reader and TV watcher.

He is survived by wife, Alvina, and son, Montage; three sisters, Juacile and Hank VanCorbac of Idaho, Jewel Larson of Washington, and Janice and Lloyd Ley of Wisconsin; sisters-in-law, Barbara Geha and CJ Finch; and multiple nephews and nieces. One of the greatest joys his last year was getting to know a grandneice, B’Elanna, an orphan adopted from China by niece Carmel. She loved her Uncle Darius and he loved his "Little One."

We must thank Dr. Andenoro and Dr. Caughlan for years of exceptional care, and the treatment his final days by Dr. Jonas and Dr. Woodward. The nurses of hospice and comfort care at HealthCenter Northwest will always hold a special place in our hearts.

A celebration of Daryl’s life will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. today, Sept. 22, at the home of Barbara Geha, 157 Parkridge Drive. You can call 314-4465 for directions.

Memorials can be made to Home Options Hospice or the Wings Program at KRMC who do so much to support the cancer patients in our area.