I first met Ernie on a field trip to the Flinders Ranges and beyond before the 1976 IGC in Sydney. My mineralogical career was in its infancy, so Ernie's knowledge and enthusiasm left an indelible impression on me. Since then we worked together to describe several new Australian minerals (perroudite, cobaltaustinite and gartrellite), and shared various responsibilities on the IMA's Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names.  At his suggestion, I took over from Ernie as Australian representative on the Commission and he was always very generous and helpful when I sought his advice. This was a special aspect of Ernie's character, which he showed to all those in his wide network of colleagues and friends. I will find it very difficult to come to terms with him not being around anymore. Bill Birch