Ernest (Ernie) Solomon, 89, of Los Altos Hills, CA, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of June 12, with the music of the Modern Jazz Quartet playing softly beside him.

Ernie was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1935 and moved to California in 1940. His family later settled in Los Altos, where he attended Fremont High School in Sunnyvale. Ernie went on to study geology at UC Berkeley, where he also earned avarsity letter as amember of Cal’s vaunted wrestling team. After graduation, he met the love of his life, Gail, then still astudent at Cal.

Ernie and Gail married in 1962 and moved to Palmdale, CA, where Ernie worked as an engineering geologist for the California Department of Water Resources on the California Aqueduct. Together, they raised two children, Debra and Aaron, who grew up learning about soil, rocks, and faults at every family outing.

Ernie enjoyed a long and successful career as an engineering geologist. He joined Waller Associates and was instrumental in designing the foundations of numerous earth-filled dams and other critical infrastructure throughout California, as well as dam projects in Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. He was a 50-year member of the Association of Engineering Geologists (AEG), a testament to his commitment to the field.

In retirement, Ernie found joy in gardening and traveling the world with Gail. In 1996, he was elected to the board of the Purissima Hills Water District, where he served for 24 years—including five terms as board president.

He championed water conservation, natural landscaping, and the seismic safety of the district’s water infrastructure.

Ernie was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Gail Solomon, who passed away just ten days before him. He is survived by his siblings Suzon, Semyon, and Sheba; his children Debra and Aaron; his daughter-in-law Kathy; and his grandchildren Andrew and Jared.

Memorial services for both Ernest and Gail Solomon will be held on June 18, 1:30 pm, Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory ofboth Ernie and Gail to one of the following organizations: Mission Hospice and Home Care: missionhospice.org Association of Engineering Geologists: aegfoundation.org/about Stanford Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center: med.stanford.edu/adrc