It is with great sadness we announce the passing of retired Corr Dental Laboratory founder and namesake, Ernest “Ernie” Corr, who in younger years was also affectionately known as “Stretch.” Ernie was born on April 28, 1946. He spent most of his time in Northern California but also lived in San Clemente for a period of time where he went to High School. After graduating High School he went to work selling Gold Alloys, which introduced him to the world of Dental Technology. Ernie loved to work with his hands so laboratory work intrigued him. He took a job in a laboratory in Sacramento as a waxer and with his obvious aptitude for the work soon developed the skills to be a successful technician. In 1979, motivated by his love of the work, he took a leap of faith establishing his own laboratory, Corr Dental Laboratory. His new laboratory quickly gained notoriety as a strong, reliable restorative laboratory specializing in crown and bridge both gold and ceramics. Based in Roseville, the laboratory gained favor in the Sacramento area and soon spread to the outlying areas. As business increased, so too the need for good technicians. Ernie’s laboratory provided a hard-working and friendly environment which can be attested to by the retention of many long-term employees. Many technicians have been with Corr for over twenty years, some even are 2nd generation employees whose parent worked for Ernie 45 years ago.
Roseville was the community in which Ernie chose to settle down, establish roots, raise a family, and grow the laboratory. When asked in an interview for a newspaper article nearly 30 years ago, “What was the smartest thing he ever did?” He replied, “Going into business.” He then went on to say, the “greatest” thing he ever did was to marry his wife, Kathie! Ernie truly loved his family. As children came along, he worked extremely hard to provide for the family. As the children grew, each eventually took their hand at the laboratory. Two of the children found their way to develop a real love for it. Both closely tutored by Ernie, daughter Stacy gravitated to the front office, and son Ryan, excelled as a technician, sitting beside Ernie learning the tricks of the trade. As with so many trades, new techniques and superior products quickly evolved in the business. Small to medium-sized laboratories are challenged to keep up with these new innovations. Excited to learn and stay current with the trends, Ernie attended many of these available courses, widening his knowledge and skills, while adapting to the new materials and implementation in the laboratory.
As much as Ernie loved tackling the challenges that a laboratory business brings, as previously mentioned, his true love was his wife, family and just being a good citizen. He stated that “Your family is the most precious thing you have.” He went on to say, “Treat others as you would like to be treated.”…Timely advice then, just as important now!
Ernie enjoyed time in the outdoors. He loved being on his boat, coaching little league baseball, and taking vacations. He really enjoyed working on cars. He loved football and the 49ers. He was convinced Joe Montana was the greatest quarterback ever.
Ernie had to leave the bench about 8-9 years ago due to his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was an eternal optimist and spent the remainder of his days seeking cures even traveling to faraway places in search of remedies. He went through surgeries and procedures trying to beat it. Kathie, the love of Ernie’s life, spent these years caregiving and supporting him through these difficult challenges, for which the family is eternally grateful.
In 2013, the PAC became acquainted with Corr Dental Designs through a relatively new hire at the Lab. Mike Dole, an accomplished ceramist who had been hired by Corr to better establish an Esthetic Department at the laboratory, knew many of us at the PAC. Ernie was excited with the prospect of merging with the PAC and before too long, it became official.
We all owe Ernie a debt of gratitude for his indomitable spirit, his never-give-up attitude, and his establishment of a notable dental laboratory all those years ago. He will be missed and we will continue to honor the legacy he left. Our deepest condolences go out to his dear family and all those who love Ernie. There will be a memorial service and celebration of life held to honor Ernie on what would have been his 75th Birthday, April 28, 2021.
