Vern passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born in Snoqualmie Falls, Washington.
Vern is survived by Rita, his wife of 50 years, son Cory and daughter Sierra, as well numerous siblings and extended family in Canada and the United States. He was predeceased by his eldest son Robert.
Always adventurous, Vern enjoyed a long-haul, owner-operator trucking career, travelling from Alaska and Yukon to Mexico, California, Georgia, Nova Scotia and Vancouver. This was interrupted by an 18-year career with BC Ferries, where he especially enjoyed the mid-coast run. He went back to trucking after helping to rescue 100 passengers from the Queen of the North sinking on March 22, 2006.
Vern enjoyed challenges such as building heavy cast-iron stoves in the Okanagan, salvaging heavy equipment from the bottom of Upper Arrow Lake near Galena Bay and designing kayak carts for BC Ferries. He will be remembered for being a steady pillar of strength and unwavering dedication to his family, no matter where he was.
No formal service by request. Special thanks to Dr. Bahadori and Jenn in oncology.
“Keep on trucking, Vern.”
