Ernest Matthew McGee Jr. met his Lord on Tuesday, February 7, 2012. He died unexpectedly at his home in Orlando, FL. Funeral Services for Ernest are 10:00 AM Monday at Van Hoe Funeral Home, LTD East Moline, IL. Burial is in Moline Memorial Park, Moline, IL. Visitation will be Sunday, 5-8 at the funeral home. A celebration of life service for Ernest will be held on Friday, February 17, 2012 in Orlando, FL. Any one wishing to attend should contact his daughter at [email protected] or get in touch with a mutual friend of Ernest's for further information. A celebration of life service will also be held at a later date in New York. All who knew him are blessed, for he spent his 53 years of living spreading smiles and laughter. He was born on February 10, 1958 to Mary J. Watts and Ernest M. Quick Sr. in Chicago, IL. He is survived by his siblings, Rachel Quick, her children Jim Entwistle, his son Jeremiah, and Faith Ann Enwistle, her son Gunner, all of Florida, Doris Quick, her children Jeremiah and Gloria Harris, all of Missouri, Gloria and her husband Acie Bunch, their children Austin Quick, Natasha Gidaszewski, her children Millie and Avi, and Cherokee Bunch, her son Payten, all of Illinois, and his brother Brian Quick of Florida. Ernest was a proud chef at the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando, FL, a Loew's Legend and a gift to his trade. Ernest is remembered fondly by his Hard Rock Family, the ones that were nearest to him for the past 5 years of his life. Ernest overcame his childhood in IL, making his way to Lake George, NY where he raised his daughter and spent time with his family while cultivating lasting friendships. He leaves behind a plethora of friends and colleagues in Upstate New York. Ernest enjoyed a thrill, he definitely lived on the edge, with outdoor activities such as hiking Buck Mtn. in Lake George with his daughter when young, racing in marathons after his accident, and enjoying the excitement of snowmobiling, boating and camping. He was a true artist, investing his time in sketching, the culinary arts, painting and woodworking at different points in his life. Throughout his life he stayed true to his birth state as a dedicated Bears and Bulls fan, Da Bears. One of his greatest joys was time spent with his grandchildren and daughter. Ernest could always be counted on by those around him to provide an abundance of genuine wisdom; he was always the last to judge another human being. He was a true hard rocker, a lover of music!! Those that knew him well understand that even though others may say he brought the brightest light to their lives, the brightest light shining within him was the difference he made in this world through his child and amazing grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter Sarah McGee, her fiancé Drew Cappabianca, his well-loved grandchildren Eben and Alyis McGee-Bierman, and the mother of his daughter Melody Smith McGee. Ernest was a devoted giver, memorials may be sent in his honor to the American Heart Association, to a Ronald McDonald House, or to an Independent Living Association in your area. He was courageous, he was strong, and he will be forever young. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.vanhoe.com

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