graduated
from Gresham Union High School. He had three brothers, Bob, Duaine, Harley
and one sister, Ardis. Vern was the oldest child of the
family. He was a plasterer by trade and was always willing to do side jobs for
people just for the fun of it. He also did numerous plastering jobs at the
church. On June 6, 1937, he married Gwendolyn Long. They had three daughters, Sharin, Danelle, Margo and one son, Eric. Margo died suddenly in 1967. Vern and Gwen were blest with eight grand children and five great grand children.
He was a member of Temple Baptist Church for more than 50 years. He was on many church boards and was usher along with brother, Harley, for many years. Mother and Dad; Emil and Ester also were long time members of Temple. They both died in the spring of 1954, about a month apart. Vern died on March 9, 2003 in Portland, Oregon. A memorial service was held at Temple Baptist Church on March 17th.
Vern had the contract to do the plastering on an apartment complex in St. Johns while I was working there, thirty some years ago. Victor Carlson, Dave Carlson's father, was carrying hod for Vern then. Times like those were very special in my life. At one time the singer, Johnny Cash, had a brother who at one time worked as a hod carrier for Vern. Vern's future son in law Dave Meier also carried hod for him. He worked for Vern for a year.
The smile on Vern's face was genuine and he loved his Lord and Savior.