Vernice Grace Adeline Soderquist, known to all as “Verne”, was born on December 17th, 1925 to William and Eva Tribe in the small farming community of Leslieville, Alberta. Verne grew up near the community of Whitelaw, Alberta, where she, her parents and her brother, Bud owned a homestead. As a young child, Verne developed an independent spirit, and an enduring love of animals (especially horses) and of the scenery of the Peace River country.
When Verne was about 24 years old, she began work at the Hudson Bay Company based out of Peace River, Alberta, and later in the early telephone offices as a switchboard operator. One summer night, she was headed to work on the bus and a terrible forest fire had broken out. The road became engulfed in smoke, and it was very difficult for the bus driver to see. As the only passenger on the bus, Verne sat in the front with the driver to help him navigate through the smoke. That bus driver was Oscar Soderquist, whom she married on June 24th, 1950. The way they met depicted exactly how they were as a couple; a team.
Verne and Oscar settled in Grande Prairie, Alberta, where they welcomed their children Merv, Heather and Randy. In 1961, Verne and Oscar moved to Dawson Creek, BC where they purchased a hobby farm. Verne actively supported her children in 4-H and gymkhana and always had a wonderful garden. Eventually, Verne and Oscar became agent/operators of the Dawson Creek Greyhound Bus depot. They worked side by side running a successful business until their retirement from Greyhound in 1978.
For many years, Verne was a member of the South Peace Art Society and, in 1984, was given the great honour of being named ‘Artist of the Year’. In 1997, Verne hosted her own art show called ‘Generations’. Art was a way in which Verne could express herself, and luckily for all of us, has left us with a beautiful legacy of what was dear to her heart.
Verne passed away on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 in Fort St. John at the age of 87 years. A memorial service, officiated by Pauline Haycock, was held on Friday, November 22, 2013 at 1:00 pm at Reynars Funeral Chapel. Special memories of Verne were presented by her granddaughter, Lana Soderquist. Interment followed in the Brookside Cemetery.
Verne is survived by her children: Merv (Donna), Heather (Wayne), and Randy (Denise); by her grandchildren: Angela, Paul (Olesya), Stephanie (Brett), Lana (Chris), Ryan, Kelsey, and Morgan and by her great grandchildren: Abby and Bennett. Verne was predeceased by her husband, Oscar, and her granddaughter, Danielle.
Verne’s family would like to thank her friends and the staff of the Peace Villa Care Home for their care and support. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Verne to the Peace Villa Care Home, 8407 – 112 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC V1J 0J5.
Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium • www.reynars.com