Ernest Irving Palin

HAMILTON - Ernest Irving Palin of Hamilton passed away peacefully February 22, 2026, at the family home that he and his wife built together in the early 60’s with his loving wife of 64 years by his side. Ernie was 88 years old. 

Ernie was born October 15, 1937, in Hamilton, MT, graduating from Hamilton High School in 1956. After High School, Ernie went logging with his brothers, Alva, Clarence and Ray. 

Ernie was a logger to the core. He loved everything about logging, but what he loved most about logging was driving logging trucks. He probably drove on every logging road there is in the Bitterroot Valley and parts of Idaho. He made it his priority to be home every night with his family, and he was. He drove logging trucks until the late 80’s when his hands became too crippled, making it difficult for him to chain the log truck any longer. 

In 1961, Ernie met the love of his life, Sherry Plettenberg. Ernie asked Sherry to marry him in 1961, but Sherry’s mom said, “NO”. She told them that they had to wait until Sherry turned 18 in January of 1962. Four days after Sherry turned 18, they were married January 27th, 1962. 

Ernie loved the land that he had. He purchased the land from his brother, Ray, for $500.00 an acre in 1961. He picked rocks for ages until every rock on the land was picked. Ernie and Sherry began building the house in 1962. After that they built the garage, the cellar, and the barn. 

Ernie is survived by his daughter, April Olechnicki of Hamilton and son, Brian Palin (Angie) also of Hamilton. Grandchildren Shaun Schrader (Maritza), Seth Schrader, Analicia Schrader and Paige Palin. Great-Grandchildren Kylie Nuttall, Samuel Schrader, Sullivan Schrader, Jorge Sierra, Yafec Sierra and Dayana Sierra. Ernie was the last of his family to pass on. He is preceded in death by his mom and dad, Wilbur and Valma Palin, brother’s Ray, Clarence, Weaver and Alva Palin, and sister’s Anna Palin, Louise Yerian and Gladys Rall. 

Ernie had a funny sense of humor. You always wanted to make sure you looked under your pancake before you ate it. Most of the time you would find a piece of paper or a piece of a napkin if you weren’t paying attention. Ernie was a prankster with a witty sense of humor. He was loved by many, and he will be sorely missed. 

Thank you to all of those who helped with Ernie’s care in the end. Thank you to those at TREK Healthcare and Ernie’s special friend, Ricki, for the special care that he endured all the way to the end. Per his request there will not be any formal service.