Anderson; Vernon Herbert (Verne)
Verne passed away at Cranbrook Hospital on July 18th, 2014. He was born on July 23, 1924, in Rose Valley, Sask. to Axel Anderson and Carrie (nee Westby) and was the fifth of eight children.
He was pre-deceased by sister Amy (1915-1998), brother Clarence (1917-1969), sister Evelyn (1919-1989), and brother Walter ("Andy") (1921-1996). He is survived by brother Colin (1926) in Cranbrook, brother Milo (1928) in Yuma, Ariz, and sister Ferne (1932) in Detroit, plus many nieces and nephews and their families in Cranbrook, and across North America.
Verne was a piano tuner in the early 1950's and a drilling contractor in the 1950's and 60's with his nephew Gerald. He was also a roofing contractor in the 1980's. He always phoned his brothers and sisters on their birthdays, a very important duty to him and also enjoyed the futures market and stock options, which was later enhanced by computerization that he kept up with.
Verne moved to Chilliwack in 1979, living previously in Vancouver and was, for many years, a member of the Vedder Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Chilliwack. In his later years, he enjoyed the monthly seniors tea dances with his love of music. He consistently met with his old-timer group at McDonalds in downtown Chilliwack on Friday afternoons. He enjoyed talking with people. With him at the time of passing was Irene Mitchell, his friend and companion for 40 years. He and Irene were in the process of moving to Cranbrook to be closer to his brother and other relatives, having just attended a family reunion in Cranbrook in late June. A Memorial Service was held at 4:30 p.m. at Mark Memorial in Cranbrook on July 22, one day short of Verne's 90th birthday. He is remembered by all as a very kind and gentle man.