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Vern Gerald Wellburn
September 22, 1925 - May 11, 2012
Tribute
WELLBURN – Gerald Vernon (Vern) September 22, 1925-May 11, 2012. Vern passed away peacefully after a brief illness. He is survived by his loving family, son Gerry, daughter Kathy, sister Lois, and his four grandchildren, Kate, Kit, Jenny and Malcolm. Vern was born in Cumberland, BC and moved to the Cowichan Valley in 1929 where he attended school. He joined the army in 1944. He graduated from UBC in 1948 with degrees in forestry and engineering. While at UBC Vern met and married Frances Schofield and they lived in various logging camps, including Vancouver Bay, Youbou and Bear Creek where he worked for BC Forest Products. They later moved to Vancouver and in 1964 he became the vice-president of forestry and logging for the Tahsis Company. In 1972 Vern joined the Faculty of Forestry at UBC as a special lecturer and in 1975 he became the western vice-president of the Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada until his retirement in 1990.
Vern married Pat Graham in 1992 and they retired to Duncan. They had a wonderful time traveling, going on vintage car tours and walking their two dogs. Vern was predeceased by Pat in April of this year.
Vern had a love of forestry and antique cars. He was a strong supporter of the BC Forest Discovery Centre. He served as a director there, as well as for the BC Logger’s Association and the Pacific Logging Congress. He was a past president of the BC Association of Professional Foresters. Vern was also a past president and enthusiastic member of the Vintage Car Club of Canada where he made many lifelong friends. Our special thanks to Dr. Roy and Chun Yu An (Molly) who helped make his last days more comfortable. A celebration of life will be held from 2:00 to 4:00p.m. On Saturday May 26, 2012 at the Travelodge Hotel and Convention Centre, 140 Trans Canada Highway in Duncan, BC. If so desired, in lieu of flowers, donations in Vern’s memory may be made to the BC Forest Discovery Centre 2892 Drinkwater Road, Duncan, BC V9L 6C2. Online condolences may be offered at www.hwwallacecbc.com.
Condolences
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From: H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff
H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff send our condolences to family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
From: Daniel Guimier
Relation: Vern was my first boss
I am indebted to Vern for his trust and support in the early years of my career at FERIC. Without him my life would have been quite different. My condolences to his family.
From: Hamish Kimmins
Relation: friend and workmate
From: Hamish Kimmins
Subject: Vern. Wellburn
Very sorry to hear about Vern. He was a gentleman, a valued associate at UBC, and contributed much to forestry in BC.
My sympathy to his family. Please forward this to them.
Hamish
From: Bruce Devitt
Relation: friend and workmate
Hi Gerry & Kathy
Your Dad would have been proud of you. The celebration of his life was well done. I hope it helps with your loss to know that others care and share this loss with you . Vern was a supporter and mentor to me during my forestry career and I give thanks for that. My wife Celia and i send our sincere condolences to you and all the Wellburn family. Bruce Devitt
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
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Thank You Notice
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