“The Captain is Relaxing”
August 31, 1941 ~ October 17, 2012
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard (Dick) Vernon, husband and soulmate, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend to so many. Dick passed from this world with dignity, in the presence of loved ones, at the home of dear friends Brian and Roxy.
He was predeceased by his father, Randolph Vernon, his mother, Evelyn Vernon, and his grandson, Jarred Haagsman. He leaves behind his loving wife Joan; his children Cory Vernon, Shane Vernon (Stephanie), Kurt Vernon (Kathryn), Sherri Jennens (Grant) and Brad Jennens (Jackie); 14 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; sister Lyn Vernon; brother David Vernon (Lisa); nephews Bruce and Joel and niece Julie.
The end of his life journey, this past seven months, began in Mexico and he returned to Canada. He made a valiant attempt to beat the odds as only Dick would do. Always positive and looking for a solution to a problem, he never gave up and fought with courage to the very end.
Dick spent his school years in Gibsons when his parents owned and operated the Bonniebrook Lodge and campground. He was an entrepreneur, a visionary and able to create almost anything with his mind and his hands. His career was multi-layered. From heavy duty mechanic to land developer, home builder and finally an ambitious project in Manzanillo, Mexico, Paraiso Azul condominiums. In the past 30 years, Dick found peace on the water discovering many nooks and crannies with boats he had built. On the Resolution, sailing became his passion.
He will be remembered for his brilliant creative mind and his work ethic.
Hours before he passed it was once more the question “What time is it?”
As he said more than once, “Let’s get something done even if it’s wrong!”
We will miss this special man and know if there is anything to be fixed, by now he will be hard at it.
Our thanks to the wonderful home-care nurses Irene, Gwen and Carol, Dr. John Hourigan, Dr. Sven Aippersbach and Dr. Sasha Smiljanic for their incredible support and to our friends Roxy and Brian for their gracious hospitality. They enabled us to leave our boat and end the journey “at home”.
A Celebration of Life for Dick will be held at the Roberts Creek Golf Club, Saturday, November 3, 2012 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.