Vern was born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan and lived on his parents’ mixed farm until 1946. He had vivid memories of playing midwife to the sows and fearing repercussions should any piglet appear in distress. Our Canadian troops were recipients of the pork Vern raised and those profits went towards paying for his education. After his father’s death, he moved with his mother to Vancouver. He graduated from John Oliver High School and was the newspaper editor there.
Vern was the first in his family to attend university. During that time, he was president of the Economics Society and taught ballroom dancing weekly for the Dance Club. In 1954 he graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Commerce.
Vern articled at Price Waterhouse to achieve his Chartered Accountant credentials. He worked for Lucky Lager in Vancouver, London ON, and Montreal. During his time in London, he developed an interest in painting through contacts at work. While in Montreal, he had a largely francophone staff so he set himself the task of fluency in French. He continued to use French, and later Spanish and Italian, sprinkled in his communication through the rest of his years and while travelling.
Vern lived in Toronto for many years, working for Noranda and retired. He enjoyed the performing arts, notably ballet. He spent much of his free time expanding his own skills as an artist, learning various painting techniques and producing many pottery creations. In 2004, he packed up his townhouse and moved west to what he referred to as Lotus land. He lived in Victoria as near the ocean as possible.
Vern loved delicious food, a ballet performance, and an extra measure of mirth at every opportunity. His wit was unique. He was a friend to many and his company always enjoyed; he made extra effort to honour anniversaries and birthdays, keeping in touch with his network of friends and family.
He will be leaving a legacy: a scholarship at the University of Saskatchewan in honour of his parents homesteading efforts a century ago. He is predeceased by his parents and four of his five siblings. He is survived by his youngest sister and many extended family members and friends who miss his presence.
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