​          Virginia Handbell Consort

For over 20 years Ernie Dash was that smiling gentleman who greeted our concert attendees and handed them programs.  He then stood at the merchandise table helping us to sell our CDs after the concert.  And as if that wasn't enough, he manned the VHC video camera during the concert to help us study our concerts for future improvements. Ernie came with us on all our out-of-town trips and acted as chauffeur for whoever needed a ride.  In short, he was an indispensable member of the VHC family.

There is so much we can say about Ernie.  He was a loving husband to Lynn Dash, a longtime VHC ringer. He was a father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He trained as a meteorologist in the Air Force and served in the Air Weather Service for 27 years.  Upon retiring from the Air Force, Ernie applied his extensive aviation meteorology expertise for 30 years in both the private sector and the Federal Aviation Administration. He was a devoted member of the Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church for 35 years.

Ernie passed away on March 19, 2025, leaving a big hole in everyone's life that knew him.  We will miss his wonderful smile and always cheerful personality.  We will miss the listening ear he provided when times were stressful and we needed to decompress. Thank you, Ernie, for all the years we spent together making music.