FLORIDA, Dec. 23 – W. Ernest (Ernie) Riland, 61, of Tamarac, Florida died on Saturday, November 22, 2008 after an extended battle with brain cancer.

Ernie was born in Dividing Creek, NJ and attended Bridge-ton High School. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Lambuth College in Jackson, TN and began his teaching career in Cumberland. He became principal of Buckingham County High School in 1979 where he remained for 10 years.

He moved to Tamarac, FL (Fort Lauderdale area) in 1989 where he took a position with the 17th Circuit Court of Bro-ward County as a certified Family Court Mediator, then supervisor of Domestic Violence Case Management. He became assistant director of Family Court Services, and was director of Mediation and Arbitration at the time of his illness.

Ernie enjoyed his work and cherished his many friends and colleagues. He is remembered for his ever present smile and caring nature.

He is survived by his mother, June Riland of Dividing Creek, NJ; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Chester and Barbara Riland of Newport, NJ, William and Ann Riland of Millville, NJ and Morris and Tracy Riland of Vineland, NJ, along with many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.