Vern passed away on April 2, and nothing else seems very important to me right now.

     Vern's Memorial was comforting to me.  History House, where it was held, holds a special place in my life.  We have been celebrating Christmas there since our large family outgrew our house or even Hildy's.  Paul is Executive Director there.  John is Operations Director and he and Nancy are employed there a couple of days a week and, also, do some volunteering.  Hildy and Dan voluntarily keep up the gardens.  I am on the Board of Directors along with all of those named above.
     Nan produced a fine pictorial story of Vern's life, which was shown on a large screen while John told the story of his Dad’s life and his accomplishments at Boeing, as well as the special things we did as a family. He managed to keep it up beat and positive, yet very moving.

Vern, age 19, on Anderson Pass, Olympic Range

Click on these links for a collection of photos and stories.

Vern's Stories     Vern's Pictures

     Dave spoke about Vern’s early fascination with airplanes and the models he built when he was a teenager. He brought the model Vern made when he was 14.

Vern with model plane

     Many friends and neighbors came to offer their support and I was especially touched that the three remaining Saicoms, Pat McClain, Roger Miller, and Louie Olson all attended.  They are all nearing 90 years old.  Louie and his wife, Doris, came down all the way from Camano Island to be there. Another special guest was Irene Mason, whose late husband, Gene, was another of the original Saicoms who started the club when the 15 young men involved were just graduated from Ballard High School in 1937.

Louie, Pat, Roger and Vern, 2006

     Our family provided a bountiful table of refreshments and there were flowers and potted plants in abundance, some with cards, some not. It was heart warming in the midst of our grief. It was comforting to know how many people wanted to pay their respects and help us through this difficult time.
     John and Nan stayed overnight with me. John went home in the morning which was Easter Sunday. Nan took me up to Hildy’s to spend the day with the Lightfoot family and have some time with Heather and my two great-grandkids, before they went home to Maryland.

     Paul and his son, Christopher, are the two birthdays we celebrate in April.

Paul

Christopher

     Tuesday, the 21st. All of our kids plus Dan and Nancy met at Washelli’s columbarium to visit the niche that is Vern’s resting place and will be mine.  He and I chose it 30 years ago.  A lovely, tiny eagle he carved adds its beauty.  A graceful fountain where water falls from the leaves of a wrought iron tree stands nearby, adding its silvery sound to the quiet, peaceful atmosphere. I was filled with gratitude for our family who were with me there.

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     Last week I was astounded to receive an award from Associated King County Historical Organizations as Volunteer of the Year for the stories that HistoryLink.org has published on their website.  AKCHO put on an impressive ceremony for the presentation. My kids and their spouses were all there to watch as I was presented with a beautiful bronze plaque and many glowing words!  I wasn't expecting it at all and it still doesn't seem real.  King County  Councilman, Bob Ferguson, who acted as Master of Ceremonies, read part of one of my stories aloud from the stage. That was quite a thrill.

Thought for the day:

        The grand essentials in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.

-Addison-

Dixie/Dorothea, Senior Editor

Home Page: Dixie-Press.com

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