Ernie St. Germain, 85, Cal Skate Founder

Ernest Dean St. Germain, 85, who worked in the broadcast business and founded Cal Skate of Milpitas, died on Thursday, May 12, 2011, with his family at his side.

Born in Cedar Rapids, IA, on October 9, 1925, St. Germain was the youngest of six children.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943 and served as a submariner. He was a life member of the Submarine Veterans of WWII, an organization he joined in 1958, and was instrumental in the formation of chapters in Iowa and Sacramento.

St. Germain spent 27 years in the broadcasting business doing everything from radio announcing to TV producing and directing. His career began with WMT-TV in Cedar Rapids in 1955. He worked for NBC News in the Sacramento bureau for 12 years as a sound technician crew member covering events at the state Capital and surrounding areas.

He was active in the Capital Quarter Midgets Racing Association for many years, as both his son and youngest daughter were enthusiastic drivers. He started a film library for the national association, which the family still possesses.

In 1977, St. Germain and his wife, Evelyn, opened the Cal Skate of Milpitas roller skating rink and at one time were also operating rinks in Fresno and Clovis. After she died in 1992, St. Germain retired from daily operations and began traveling and playing golf. Three years later, he was fortunate to meet Deanna Rodrigues, and they spent 16 years together, taking cruises and enjoying trips to San Francisco.

Ernie was an enthusiastic San Jose Sharks fan, holding season tickets since the franchise came to the Bay Area in 1991. Rarely missing a game, he often played coach for his beloved team and was even surprised with a personal visit by two players in recent years.

Survived by his brother, Edward Earl; his children, Deborah Brady, Jilla St. Germain, Trace St. Germain and Chris St. Germain-Frank; his grandchildren, Mathieu, Jeffrey and Geena; great- grandchildren, Kainoa and Sequoia; and his dear companion, Deanna Rodrigues.

A celebration of his life will be at 2 p.m. on May 25 at the Villages Golf and Country Club, 5000 Cribari Lane, San Jose. He requested that this be a joyful celebration, so people are asked to wear Hawaiian casual. For information, call 408-219-5141 or email ernie@calskatemilpitas.com.

The family has requested that donations may be made in his name to the American Heart Association in lieu of flowers.