Verne Arnold Blyth

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Verne Arnold Blyth on September 1, 2020 in Surrey, BC at seventy-six years of age. Born on June 27, 1944 in Duncan, BC, the majority of Verne’s youth was spent growing up in East Vancouver. After getting married in 1966, he and his wife, Linda (nee Anderson) settled in North Delta, BC to raise their family there. They downsized in 2016 to a vibrant community they both love in Surrey, BC.

Verne is predeceased by his father, Walter Blyth (1945), his mother, Esther Bamford (2008) and his eldest sister, Lynne Swerhun (2008). He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-four years, Linda, his two daughters, Shelley (Pierre) and Julie (Steve) and his four grandchildren (Ben, Olivia, Kenzo, Kai). In addition, Verne is survived by his stepfather, Bill Bamford, his sister, Sharon (Ken), his brother, Roy (Donna), brothers-in-law, Duncan (Judy) and Murray (Annette) plus many more extended family members.

A quietly sensitive man who always loved a good joke and a glass of scotch, Verne worked in sales until he retired in the late 90’s. In 1998, he embarked on what would become a twenty-two-year journey volunteering with BC Guide Dogs. Everyone who knows Verne knows he truly discovered a passion in his life in supporting the raising and training of almost twenty guide dog puppies. He fought a brief and extremely valiant battle with lymphoma and his family wishes to thank the staff at Surrey Memorial Hospital’s ICU for their impeccable and gracious care of Verne in his final days.

Verne was a kind, caring, loving and gentle person who will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him. Due to COVID, a celebration of Verne’s life will be held at a later date when it is safe to do so. In lieu of flowers, a donation to BC Guide Dogs in his name would be gratefully accepted.