Mrs. Dorothy Lavinia Richmond Vernon

Dorothy was born on August 28, 1925 in Vancouver, B.C. and passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Saviour during the afternoon of April 18, 2009 surrounded by her immediate family. She will be dearly missed by her loving husband Norm of 63 years, her three children, Nancy (Bob) Hoy, Ray (Kathryn) Vernon, and Lorene Vernon. She also leaves to mourn her five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren: Bobby (Susan) Hoy, Emily (14) and Jordan (13); Bev (Dave) Ellis, David (12), Sierra (10) and Cody (7); Norm (Heather) Vernon, James (13) and Kelly (12); Sheri (Blair) Jefferies, Cordi (7) and Braeden (5); Laura (Josh) Stigall, Tyler (6) and Kaiden (5). Dorothy leaves her five sisters-in-law, Janet Vernon, Claire Vernon, Alice Richmond, Dorothy Gratias, and Yvonne Vernon, also brother-in-law Gordon Vernon as well as several nieces, nephews and many lifelong friends. She was predeceased by her parents Tom and Martha Richmond, her three brothers, Joseph, William (Helen), Fred (Iris), and her great granddaughter Rebecca Lynn.

Dorothy doted on her husband Norm, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.....they were the highlight of her life.

Throughout her years Dorothy's strong faith was evident in her daily life and was most important to her.

Dorothy also enjoyed giving of herself at Church, Christian Womens' Club, Marketplace IGA Gibsons and the Telus TeePee Store.

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Caterina McGuire as well as the nursing staff at the N. Delta Home Health Palliative Care Program and the Delta Home Support Team.

A Celebration of Dorothy's Life will be held at Victory Memorial Park in Surrey on Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 1:00 p.m.

Officiating: Graveside – Maurice McElrea; Service – David R Jones

In lieu of flowers a donation to either

Daybreak Point Bible Camp Society (107008310RR0001) 380 233 West 1st St, North Vancouver, BC V7M1B3 or Keats Camps (118804830RR0001) 234 Brooksbank Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7J2C1 would be appreciated.

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Dorothy Lavinia Vernon (née Richmond)

In the year 1914, Tom Richmond (Dorothy's father), a carpenter by trade and Martha Hudson (Dorothy's mother), a captain in the Salvation Army, both emigrated from England to Calgary, Alberta. Shortly after, the two met in Calgary, they married and moved to Vancouver and settled in the Grandview area and began their family. Their Grandview family home is still standing today.

The date August 28, 1925 was a special day in the Richmond household as little Dorothy Lavinia Richmond was born. Her three (3) brothers had the privilege of choosing her names. She was the youngest of four (4) children and the only daughter that was sent to brighten their lives. Dorothy said that her brothers had lots of fun teasing her, being as she was the baby of the family and of course . . . the only girl! Dorothy's nickname was “Vin” -- short for her middle name Lavinia. She was known as “Vin” to the 'Richmond's', and “Doe” to the 'Vernon's.'

During her growing up years, Doe's family attended the Salvation Army Church. Doe also went to Sunday School at the United and Grandview Baptist Churches. She became a Brownie, a Girl Guide and also really enjoyed singing in the Junior Church Choir. Doe had always loved to sing and had a lovely soprano voice. During her teenage years she accompanied a girlfriend to a Church service one evening and gave her heart and life to Jesus and was steadfast in her faith throughout her life. She couldn't imagine life at 83 without that wonderful assurance and hope that came with total commitment.

Doe's senior high years were spent attending Britannia High School in Vancouver. One of her extra-curricular activities was participating in the photography club which she found most enjoyable. In 1943 she graduated from high school and then pursued a career at the Federal Income Tax Office on West Hastings Street in Vancouver, where she worked for two (2) years.

At age 17 one of Doe's girlfriends introduced her to an awesome young 'hunk' named Norman Vernon . . . which according to Norm's memory was -- of course -- the most wonderful day of her life!!! It didn't take long for Norm to ask Doe's Mom and Dad for her hand in marriage. They both gave their blessing. Norm immediately purchased a lot in East Vancouver and worked in the evenings for two years to build their first home ---- which was a small bungalow totaling $2,000.00. Those were the years when milk was 10 cents a quart, and bread was 5 cents a loaf. During this time, Doe's Mother became ill and passed away in 1944. That was a difficult time for Doe and her family. Norm and Doe continued with their dating bliss and on October 1, 1945 their 63 + years journey began.

During the next eight years, Doe's life was kept very busy as there were three additions to her family . . . a redhead, blonde and a brunette . . . Nancy, Ray and Lorene (Doe's three bundles of joy) . . . well at least, that's what her children later told her.

During their growing up years Doe's hands were kept extra busy sewing many an outfit for each of them; coats, hats, dresses and pants. Doe also made many lovely aprons as gifts for family and friends.

When Doe was in her thirties, Norm and Doe made a joint decision that she would learn to drive. Well Norm decided that he was going to be Doe's instructor. This adventure was in the years when there was a clutch and a gas pedal to deal with! Well with her three kids in the back seat sitting straight as little robots (those were the days when children were to be seen and not heard), at least that's what they were told! . . . Norm set about to teach Doe the 'ins and outs' of driving . . . that's what he thought! Norm told Doe to make a right hand turn and Doe maneuvered a right hand turn when there was definitely not supposed to be a turn at all! Norm -- as only Norm could say-- said “You're doing just fine sweetness!" And after that day, Doe went for professional driving lessons!

Doe had many things she liked . . . such as coffee, coca cola, fresh raspberries and chocolate covered candied ginger. She never forgot her English heritage -- she enjoyed wearing her white gloves to Church -- just like the Queen! And truly enjoyed her delectable English kippers, sardines, fish and chips – all with malt vinegar poured on top. Her favourite desserts were strawberry ice-cream, raspberry chiffon pie, and strawberry tarts that used to be served at the old Woodward's restaurant in Oakridge.

Listening to gospel music (such as the Gaither videos) was one of Doe's favourite ways to relax. And Norm and Doe travelled to many Gospel Quartet performances throughout the lower mainland and all the way to Red Deer, Alberta for a Gospel Quartet Convention.

Travelling was another one of her enjoyments in life. Norm and Doe travelled to various locations in many countries such as England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, France, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, the Hawaiian Islands, and experienced the joy of cruising with friends and family.

We all have some very fond memories of the aromas of Doe's cooking and baking. We remember especially coming home from Church on Sundays for those amazing roast beef dinners with apple pie and ice-cream. The wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas turkey dinners with all the trimmings! And also, how could we ever forget some of her old time family favourite desserts and squares that Doe baked -- such as her butterscotch chews, lemon chiffon pie and strawberry dessert! Oh how tasty and delicious they were!

Nancy, Ray and Lorene could never fool Doe with anything as they were growing up, no matter how hard they might have tried as she was always very sharp and one step ahead! She also had an excellent memory for names and faces! Doe remembered birthdays, anniversaries, special events from the past, telephone numbers, addresses etc. and friends she attended primary school with. Doe's memory was more accurate than all three kids put together!

Doe was also a very outgoing person and loved talking and visiting with people either in person or by telephone. She enjoyed attending the Burnaby Christian Women's Club where she participated as a hostess, enjoyed inviting ladies to the luncheon and enjoyed the fellowship of the executive.

Doe was a most compassionate, sympathetic and understanding person. When anyone was ill, she would be right there to lend a hand and would also be bringing a delicious pot of homemade chicken soup with her. She had a most kind and generous spirit and would always offer her help to anyone in need.

You know the old adage . . . never leave home without it . . . well . . . in Doe's case it was 'never leave home without your umbrella and a plastic rain cap' . . . even in Hawaii, or on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera!

No matter what size Doe's purse was, it always weighed a ton . . . it was like a filing cabinet . . . Norm said she packed everything in it short of a pipe wrench and she would have fit that in if she could. However, if you were with Doe and needed something . . . chances are somewhere buried in that filing cabinet would be just the item that was needed!

Another memory of Doe was the lovely summer afternoon that her family went out to Will and Janet Vernon's farm for one of their many awesome 'Corn Feeds'! After they had gone on a fun hay ride and eaten some yummy food, someone (no name mentioned of course), suggested that Doe should try riding a horse as she had never attempted this feat before! She was a good sport and was helped onto the horse and as one of her nephews was leading the horse with a rope . . . well Doe's horseback riding adventure came to a complete halt . . . as Dorothy the cowgirl started sliding off the horse yelling . . . “Norm, Norm . . . Help Me!” But with all the noise, Norm thought she was enjoying herself and waved back. So needless to say, that was the first and last time that Doe ever attempted bareback riding!

As the years passed by, there were additions to the family . . . Nancy married Bob . . . and Ray married Kathryn. Then of course came five wonderful grandchildren; Bobby, Bev, Norm, Sheri and Laura. Doe enjoyed becoming a Grandma . . . knitting beautiful shawls, sweaters, booties and bonnets as well as the many hours spent babysitting, loving her grandchildren and supporting them in their various interests! She just enjoyed opening up her purse and showing everyone her Grandma's Brag Book filled with oodles of photos of her grandchildren! Each one had a special place in her heart!

As the grandchildren all grew up, they also married and Doe was then wonderfully blessed with 12 great-grandchildren that brought her much joy and tremendous pride. She always looked forward to special times with her family enjoying every celebration where she would sit watching everyone having a great time.

During the past two years Doe's health failed gradually. Through all her suffering she maintained her positive outlook on life being uplifted daily by her faith in the Lord's promises.

Doe will be greatly missed by Norm and his entire family. They all look forward to their joyous reunion in Heaven one day soon.

In the meantime, her family share this poem with you as they believe these words sum up the qualities of their Mother and Grandmother:

“Her love was like an island

In life's ocean, vast and wide

A peaceful, quiet shelter

From the wind, the rain, the tide.

'Tis bound on the north by Hope

By Patience on the West,

By tender Counsel on the South

And on the East by Rest.

Above it like a beacon light

Shine Faith, and Truth, and Prayer;

And thro' the changing scenes of life

We found a haven there.”

Verses of Hope and Comfort for Norm and Doe:

The Celebration of Heaven

I am the Resurrection and the Life, He that believeth in Me though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall never die. John 11:25-26

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:3

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens. 2 Cor 5:1

Eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him! 1 Cor 2:9

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On many of the afternoon drives that Mom and Dad took through the valley, they frequently sang many hymns but one they loved was "Victory In Jesus" . . . a lively, upbeat, "hope" promised hymn

Victory in Jesus

Words and Music by E.M. Bartlett

© 1939 - Administrated by Integrated Copyright Group, Inc.

All rights reserved

1 Corinthians 15:57

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us

the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

I heard an old, old story,

How a Savior came from glory,

How He gave His life on Calvary

To save a wretch like me;

I heard about His groaning,

Of His precious blood's atoning,

Then I repented of my sins

And won the victory.

Chorus

O victory in Jesus,

My Savior, forever.

He sought me and bought me

With His redeeming blood;

He loved me ere I knew Him

And all my love is due Him,

He plunged me to victory,

Beneath the cleansing flood.

I heard about His healing,

Of His cleansing pow'r revealing.

How He made the lame to walk again

And caused the blind to see;

And then I cried, "Dear Jesus,

Come and heal my broken spirit,"

And somehow Jesus came and bro't

To me the victory.

Chorus

O victory in Jesus,

My Savior, forever.

He sought me and bought me

With His redeeming blood;

He loved me ere I knew Him

And all my love is due Him,

He plunged me to victory,

Beneath the cleansing flood.

I heard about a mansion

He has built for me in glory.

And I heard about the streets of gold

Beyond the crystal sea;

About the angels singing,

And the old redemption story,

And some sweet day I'll sing up there

The song of victory.

Chorus

O victory in Jesus,

My Savior, forever.

He sought me and bought me

With His redeeming blood;

He loved me ere I knew Him

And all my love is due Him,

He plunged me to victory,

Beneath the cleansing flood.

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The Hymn that was playing in the background as Mom passed into the presence of her Lord and Saviour April 18th.

If We Never Meet Again

Soon we’ll come to the end of life’s journey

And perhaps we’ll never meet any more

Till we gather in Heaven’s bright city

Far away on that beautiful shore.

CHORUS

If we never meet again this side of Heaven

As we struggle through this world and it’s strife

There’s another meeting place somewhere in Heaven

By the side of the river of life.

Where the charming roses bloom forever

And where separations come no more

If we never meet again this side of Heaven

I will meet you on that beautiful shore.

Oh, they say that we shall meet by the river

Where no storm clouds ever darken the sky

And they say that we’ll be happy in Heaven

In the wonderful sweet by and by

(I will meet you on that beautiful shore)