Ernest René Doyon

With sorrow, the family of Captain (retired) Ernest Rene Doyon (USAF) announces his passing on December 1, 2022. Ernest was born to Emile and Bertha (Cyr) Doyon in Waterbury, CT, on July 4, 1937. Growing up in Waterbury, he attended St. Anne’s Catholic School and Sacred Heart High School. During those years he used his middle name; thus family members still refer to him as Rene.

At Sacred Heart High School he met his wife, Beverly Blanner. They married in 1956. He enlisted in the US Air Force that year. His assignments included Pease AFB, NH; Goose Bay AFB, Labrador; Shilling AFB, KS; Offutt AFB, NB; Kadena AFB, Okinawa; Myrtle Beach AFB, SC; and Hancock Field, NY. Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque, NM, was the last stop for “Ernie” and the family. All still reside in Albuquerque. He retired from the Air Force in 1978.

Ernest’s military career was primarily in the Medical Service Corp with a detour when assigned to Strategic Air Command at Offutt AFB. During his time at SAC, he completed his bachelor’s degree at University of Nebraska Omaha in 1967. After completing his degree, he attended Officer Training School at Lackland AFB, TX, and received his commission.

After retirement, Ernie was hospital administrator at Cibola General Hospital in Grants, NM (1980–1982). During that time, he and Beverly made close friends with “Papa” Joe and Thelma Lee and their families. Both families often traveled together and celebrated many Thanksgivings and 4th of Julys.

In 1986, he earned his master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of New Mexico. With partners, he opened North American Surgical Supply Corporation, selling medical supplies and surgical equipment throughout the southwest. His last business was NAS/CORP – TELMAH (2003–2014).

He was part of the team that began the New Mexico Veterans Business Advocates in Albuquerque, serving as the first president of the organization. His passion was supporting all veterans as they made the transition from the military to civilian life.

Ernie loved his family. Each holds special memories: long car rides to visit family in Connecticut, sharing his love of water through swimming, vacations in Mexico and Lake Powell, breakfast brunches, happy hours, and college football. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren from “bucket head” parades to collecting Beanie Babies. Sharing his birthday with “Uncle Sam” meant everyone could count on parties with his crazy birthday hats and fireworks.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, Emile and Bertha (Cyr) Doyon; sister, Yvette Rouillard; and brother-in-law, Gerard Rouillard. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; his daughters, Sharleen (Shari) Doyon (Gerald Schneider) and Rhonda Doyon; sons, Jeffrey and Richard Doyon; grandchildren, Lauren Schneider and Steven Schneider; and honorary granddaughter, Salise Nunn (Bruce) and their son, Austin. He is also survived by sisters, Jeanette Ferry (William) of Tilton, NH; Rachelle Doyon CS, of Windham, CT; and many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

A service will be held Wednesday, December 14, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at FRENCH-Wyoming, with a reception to follow. Burial will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. Both services will be streamed. Links will be provided to family and close friends.

The family thanks the Alzheimer’s Association, Luna Vista Home Care, and Compassus Hospice for their support. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Alzheimer’s Association .