Vern was born in Camrose, Alberta on July 20,1933 to parents Herbert and Alice Skog. He was the oldest of six children-four boys and two girls. He stepped into glory to meet his Saviour and Lord on Easter Sunday morning, April 17, 2022 at the age of 88.
Many thanks to the doctors and staff at Vernon Jubilee Hospital for their wonderful care and to the staff at Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services.
Vernon is survived by his loving wife, Norma, and three of his four children-Sandra Spoor (husband Jerry) from Vernon, BC; Diane Wells (husband Keith) from Lloydminster, Alberta; and David Skog (wife Susie) from Cornelius, North Carolina. He was predeceased by his son, James Skog, from New York, New York in 2002, his brother, Jerry; his sister-in-law Viki; and his daughter-in-law, Angie. Vern also leaves to mourn two brothers and two sisters- Don (wife Laurie) from Red Deer, AB; Eugene (wife Elke) from Kelowna, BC; and sisters Muriel Skog and Lucille Skog from Kelowna, BC.
"Super Grandpa" Vern leaves behind seven grandchildren and ten greatgrandchildren living in Alberta, Ontario, New Brunswick, Colorado, and North Carolina. Vernon grew up on a farm south of Camrose, AB, but left the farm after marrying Norma Turner, the love of his life, in May 1953. Vern was an amazing heavy-duty mechanic and used those skills for his entire life. They lived and worked in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, back to Edmonton and finally to Lloydminster, SK. They retired to Holiday Park in Lake Country in 1992.
However, in the winters they did many volunteer service projects in the southern United States with an organization called S.O.W.E.R.S. He couldn't stand to sit and do nothing so he put his mechanical, plumbing, carpentry, electrical, "you-name-it" skills to work. He wasn't a "jack-of-all-trades", he was a "Vern-of-all-trades". When he wasn't using his skills for volunteer organizations, he did projects for his family, friends, church, and anyone who needed help. His tools were always in the back of his truck and he was always ready to teach others how to do it themselves because he had the patience of Job! He enjoyed playing cards and table games with friends, liked the occasional golf game with family or friends, and liked to go fishing.
When he was younger, he volunteered as a leader in his church's Boy's Brigade and was a positive influence in the lives of many young men. His family and friends will always remember his unflappable, calm demeanour and his unique sayings "Daylight in the swamp" when getting his kids up, "What the fiddle!" on many different occasions, and "cotton pickin" instead of cussing!
A Celebration of Life was held on April 19, 2022 at the Holiday Park Golf Clubhouse.
Vern's ashes will be buried at the Fridhem Baptist Church cemetery south of Camrose, AB in July.
Anyone wishing to donate in his memory can donate to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Gideons, or sowerministry.org .
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online obituary @ www.MyAlternatives.ca
Arrangements entrusted to ALTERNATIVES FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES ® Vernon 250-558-0866 & Armstrong 250-546-7237
Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services
Service Details
Celebration of Life
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
1:00 PM
1:00 PM
Holiday Park Golf Clubhouse