Mr. Vernon James Ernest Lee passed away suddenly on January 24, 2012 in Torrence, California.

Vern is survived by his children: sons Eric of Altona, Manitoba and Brian of Australia, his daughter Deborah of Winnipeg, Manitoba brothers Ken and Earl and his sister Ethel; his partner Shirley Denham and his long time friend Madeline Riley of Nanaimo.

Vern was born in Toronto, Ontario on January 1, 1933, and lived there until he turned 19, at which time (1952) he joined the Air Force and it became his career until 1978.

During this time he experienced at lot of the world. His last posting was at Mt. Lolo. In November 1978, he drove school bus and retired in June 1991 saying he drove the best kids in Kamloops.

He played ball, curled and engaged a good game of snooker. He also enjoyed swimming, and competed in the Senior Olympics winning several medals.

Vern fought heart disease a long time. He will be missed by his family and friends.

Those wishing to pay their respects by viewing may do so on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 from 9:00 am - 10:30 am in the Schoening Funeral Chapel, 513 Seymour Street.

The Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Wednesday, February 7, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Pleasant Street Cemetery.

Should friends desire, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 203 - 635 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2B3 or the World Society of the Protection of Animals, 90 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 960, Toronto, ON M4P 2Y3 in memory of Vern would be appreciated.

Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenings.com