Ernst Johann Schuster

September 25th, 2016

Ernst “Ernie” Johann Schuster, age 84, passed away on September 25th, 2016 in Kirkland Washington. Ernie is survived by his wife Ann; his sons Paul (Tracy) and Mark (Amanda); and his grandchildren Lucas and Katie.

Ernie was born in Wilhelmshaven, Germany where he lost his parents, Paul and Kathe Schuster, as a young teen during WWII. He was then apprenticed into the nursery industry and subsequently migrated to Sweden, then onto Canada and eventually to his adopted country of the United States. Nine months later he was drafted into the US Army and was made a photographer of captured military gear. After his honorable discharge, he met and married the love of his life, Ann Berger, and began their 57 year marriage raising a family and building Vibert Nursery (now Vibrant Plants) in Woodinville, WA. Ernie and Ann retired in 1995 after selling the business to their son, Mark.

A world traveler, adventurer, dedicated father and business owner, Ernie felt blessed to have landed in America and been given the opportunities to build a solid life for himself and family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.