Vern Howard Wilson

After moving to the Puget Sound area from Nebraska, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, the beginning of a lifelong association with fellow Corps members. He served as president of the Yakima chapter of the CCC Alumni Association.

His beloved Alice came into his life just before WWII and they were married on January 26, 1946. He served with the Army Air Force in the south Pacific and developed lifetime friendships. Active in the VFW, he participated in many Ellensburg parades driving his 1961 Impala convertible, plus honor guards, and fund-raising activities.

Settling in Puyallup and raising a family of four boys, he had a long career in the wholesale grocery business prior to retiring in Kittitas to raise Herefords and Belgian draft horses. He found the eastern Washington sunshine as warm as the treasured friendships developed with his neighbors.

His love for animals was everlasting and horses and cows were treated as pets much the way most would treat a dog.

A humble, strong, rather quiet man, Mr. Wilson left a memorable impression on everyone he encountered. He was quick to lend a hand to those in need but rarely asked for anything in return, often taking on large projects without outside assistance. Nary a complaint, always maintaining a positive outlook despite being in pain most of his adult life from a severe back injury.

A true public servant and patriot, he will be greatly missed and thought of often by those whose lives he touched.

Mr. Wilson is survived by his wife of 66 years, Alice; sons, Dean and Todd (spouse, Kimberlee Wilson); grandsons, Rodney and Adam; daughter-in-law, Bonnie; brother Gerald and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry & Mabel; brother's Harold, Paul, Lyle and Kenneth, sister, Alice; and sons, Gary and Reed.

Services will be held Saturday, June 2, 1 p.m. at the Steward-Williams Tribute Center, 301 East 3rd Avenue, Ellensburg, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kittitas Valley Veteran's Association, 1119 East Spokane Street, Ellensburg, WA 98926.