Oceanside City Treasurer Gary Ernst Dies at Age 61

OCEANSIDE, CA — Oceanside is mourning the passing of City Treasurer Gary Ernst, who died of natural causes. He was 61.

A longtime resident of Oceanside, Ernst was active in the Oceanside Rotary and International Rotary, and was an active member of the California Treasurers Association. He was appointed city treasurer in December 2010 to fill the unexpired term of Gary Felien, and was elected to his first full term as city treasurer in November 2012.

Prior to Ernst's appointment as city treasurer, he served on the city's Investment Oversight Committee for more than a decade. He held a bachelor's degree from California State University, Los Angeles; a master’s degree in business administration from Pepperdine University and was a certified municipal treasurer.

"Our city mourns the loss of City Treasurer Gary Ernst, a dedicated public servant," said Mayor Jim Wood. "Gary will be deeply missed by the City Council, staff and community.”

Memorial arrangements were pending Friday. City officials said they would provide that information when it becomes available.

Image via city of Oceanside