Ernest Leo Blais Sr., 82, of Sebago died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019.

He born Nov. 7, 1936, the son of Leo Joseph Blais and Juliette Louise Roy. Ernest joined the Marines at the age of 17 in the spring of 1954, where he served in Korea until 1958.

Ernest was always a man who loved his independence by running his own businesses from Fern Creek Upholstery in Kentucky to East Sebago Upholstery in Maine.

Ernest was a man who loved the outdoors, camping and fishing, but his greatest passion was his music. He was an accomplished violinist and fiddler. At the age of nine, Ernie entered a televised competition for the Pine Tree State sponsored by Pepsi. He won playing a jig (Turkey in the Straw). He took his cash prize and bought a fur coat for his mother. Later that cold winter, he took that coat and cut it into pieces afraid his rabbits would freeze. The innocence of a child. You see, he loved his animals too. As he grew through life, he learned to play anything from bluegrass, country and the classics. He always found joy in entertaining people with his talent. He played for pleasure and along with many bands throughout his life. He was awarded the Fiddler of the Year through the Maine Country Music Association. Ernie always thought of his music friends as family, especially Howard Allen and the Troubadours. He was always telling stories and sharing memories of Howard, Paul and Mark as he considered them his extended family. Thank you all for his happiness. The music world has truly lost a friend.

He was predeceased by his wife, June Batchelder Blais; daughter Becky Batchelder True; son James (Jimmy) Blais; two grandchildren; sisters Leona and Cecilia; and brothers Robert and Roger.

His surviving sons and daughters are Ernest Blais Jr., Jeff Blais, Carl Blais, Robin Bohannon, Christopher Blais, Michelle Evans and Robbie Batchelder.

His surviving siblings are Leo Blais, Paul Blais, Madeleine Brulotte and Juliette Beaulieu.

Ernest has 14 grandchildren and many, many, great-grandchildren.

Rest in peace Dad, and play for the angels. You will be missed dearly.

Services will be announced at a later date at his residence in East Sebago, as he wished.