I wish I could mention all the wonderful people Vern appreciated who helped make his life full of love, laugher and great happiness. Due to two falls from September 2016 I thought I was going to lose Vern due to these major falls leaving him with blood on the brain and hospitalized. Vern would tell me he wasn’t ready to go yet ~ when I am bored I will be ready.
Vern was born September 25 1920 in Scotts SK. Passed November 21, 2020 in Victoria BC
He lived in Scotts Sk until with his family they moved to Fairview AB in 1935.
Vern signed up with the army and especially enjoyed being able to go to the Sgt mess once he became a Sgt.
Vern wanted to sign up again when his term was up however they found a mark on his lungs. He had TB and spent the next 2 years in the hospital. Fortunately he has had no repercussions. When released from the hospital Vern travelled and lived in different Canadian cities. He was employed as a barber and even had his own printing company in Ontario. Vern was a printer in the days before computers and a plethora of fonts available. You can see his eye for detail in how he mounted and wrote about his stamps.
Sometime in 1950 Vern moved to Victoria and has lived in and loved Victoria since
Vern never learned to cook so took most of his meals in a restaurant. This is where he meet his longtime friend Sylvia. They would spend much of their free time together, taking up island day trips, dinners out, concerts and enjoying each others company. He was so happy to have Syliva and friends Marge and Gordon join him for a Christmas lunch at Parkwood December 2017 ~ this was his and Sylvia’s last visit together. They remained special friends for over 60 years until her death in 2018 at the age of 103.
He enjoyed his various careers/positions with the Provincial Government. He appreciated the fine people he worked with.
Throughout his career he was a member of the Philatelic Society attending many meetings and showing his collection at various place across N. America. Vern won many awards and actually in his possessions there is a certificate dated May 1966 from the 26th Annual Philatelic Exhibition where Vern won a bronze medal. Vern was an avid stamp collector and had an amazing collection. Vern made many friends over the years too many to recognize here. One member, Peter Newroth referred to Vern as a scholar and a gentleman.
Vern was known for his love of music and over the years played guitar with different groups including the Organaires. They travelled around Greater Victoria and up Island entertaining especially in the Duncan Legion. After work he loved walking into his suite, taking his jacket off, sitting with his guitar and playing.
Vern was also an avid reader and had many books on business, religion, stamps and trains. When he moved to Independent Living he donated over 20 boxes of books only keeping some of his favourite ones.
In 1985 Vern retired and this allowed him more time playing his guitar, reading, attending stamp meetings. When he gave up his Driver’s License his long time friend Rick Fleet would pick him up so he could continue attending the weekly ‘muffin break’ stamp meetings. When he felt he could no long attend Rick continued his many years of Saturday evening visits where stamps were their number one conversation. These visits continued only changed to Saturday afternoons in 2019 when Vern moved into long term care at Beacon Hill Villa. Rick continued these visits until the lockdown in March 2020.
Vern was an active member of First United Church which later amalgamated with Metropolitan United Church to become First Metropolitan United Church.
Over the years he, his brother Lyall, sisters Helen, Eileen and Lou with brother in law Eddie got together every Friday for lunch. Whenever possible they would be joined by other family members. They were a very close family. After Lou and Eddie moved to Vancouver area to be closer to family, and Lyall passed away Vern, Helen and Eileen continued these Friday lunches. Vern was big brother to his sisters Helen and Eileen and ensured they always had great care wanting for nothing.
Helen passed in May 2013 and Vern and Marlene Schlotterbeck, dear family friend, continued with the Friday lunches. They would pick Eileen up the last Friday of every month to join them. Verns favourite place was Moxies where he truly enjoyed their steak sandwich. Their regular server Danielle knew their order and ensured their coffee cups were always full. Lindsay and staff always took excellent care of them.
In the spring of 2015 at 94 Vern decided it was time to give up his top floor, ocean view Dallas Road apartment and move into Independent Living. Vern and Marlene chose Wednesday’s to visit various residences. After viewing a few Independent Living Residences he chose to move into Parkwood Place. Vern moved in days before his 95th birthday and truly enjoyed living there, their staff, regular entertainment and great meals. He especially appreciated its’ proximity to Hillside Mall where he frequently walked until his fall and hospital stay October 2016. This fall changed his life and his weekly outings. Vern was always happy, enjoyed every day and especially appreciated the regular entertainment at Parkwood Place and especially enjoyed his and Marlene’s daily afternoon coffee get togethers.
After his serious fall and head injury in 2016 Vern needed more help once home. We were fortunate to learn of Comfort Keepers who we hired and they chose the right care aides for his needs. He had many excellent ones and was fortunate to have Shawna and Sheena consistently for much of the time.
Vern then started working with Jen a physiotherapist. He was always eager for these sessions. They would go down to the gym where depending on Vern’s energy he would do anywhere from 300 to 1700 steps on the Step machine. Amazing for a 96 year old who hadn’t exercised ~ if at all ~ in years. Jen showed Vern how to properly bend down and pick up something he dropped ~ Vern was very proud to show Marlene and Dennis Jones this. Jen and Vern would have great conversations and he truly enjoyed their visits. In September 2017 Dennis was hired for overnight care every Friday and statutory holidays. Dennis would give Vern excellent foot massages which were especially great for his circulation. Vern truly enjoyed these stating his feet never felt or looked better. He also truly enjoyed the men conversations with Dennis chatting about a variety of topics especially music. Once Vern moved into Beacon Hill Villa Dennis’ visits changed to Sunday afternoon and included foot massages. Vern truly loved these and generally fell asleep during them.
Vern really appreciated his nephew Joe (Phoenix); nieces and their husbands, Sue, Darwin (Kelowna) and Linda, Jack (Calgary) coming to Victoria July 8th 2017 and having lunch with him at Parkwood Place. We often talked about how special that visit was and thoughtful of them.
Vern enjoyed each day at Parkwood Place and all the staff were excellent. Unfortunately in October 2018 Vern’s knees gave out causing him to fall and break his pelvis. As much as he wanted to remain in his suite, he realized he needed to be in the hospital and allowed me (Marlene) to call an ambulance for him. This hospital visit changed his life and unfortunately he could not return to Parkwood Place but needed full time care.
We were most fortunately that he was able to move to Beacon Hill Villa (BHV) where is sister, Eileen was living. They ended up being on the same floor and down the hall from each other. They enjoyed seeing each other daily and often sat together and could be seen holding hands
BHV and all staff from the Manager Doug Csima, Director of Care, Cheryl Moore to every RN, RNA, Care Aid, Recreation, Kitchen and Cleaner made life very comfortable for Vern. At BHV Vern participated in more activities and frequently enjoyed their music entertainment and especially enjoyed the Friday men’s group with Anneka from the recreation staff. He also participated in their monthly special lunches which frequently was one of his favourites Chinese Food.
Over the years Vern and I frequently were visiting Helen at the same time when she was in full care. Generally we walked out together and Vern would comment on how nice Selkirk Place was but he never wanted to be in such a facility. Knowing this it was very emotional for me to discuss such a move with him. Vern was so accepting of the move realizing he needed more help. He was pleased that he was able to move to BHV and in the long run it was best for him and I am sure added to his life.
At no time have I ever felt like I was simply Vern’s friend, our relationship was a very strong bond and we often said I was his adopted daughter. Doesn’t every bachelor in his 90’s need a daughter. I loved him like a father, treated him with love and respect every day. He has been a huge part of my life, I learned so much from him. His passing is leaving a huge void in my heart however I have the most amazing memories that will help. I have been blessed to have been a part of this amazing mans life and learned so much from him.
Rest in Peace Vern you deserve it. I love you ~ Marlene
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