Verne passed peacefully on Easter Sunday morning, after a challenging 3 years living with Lewy Body Dementia. Verne was wrapped in the arms of his devoted wife, Patricia, at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, B.C.
Verne was pre-deceased by his mother Shirley in 2017, and his father Alan in 2025 and mother-in-law Brenda Sullivan in 2007. He leaves to grieve his wife, Patricia and stepson Iann, son Brock, daughter Rebecca Paulson (Chris) and son Sam (Abi), sister Lynn Doroz (Dave), brother Rick (Kerry), many nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Also grieving are Patricia’s sisters Daphne Goode and Diana Gordon (Jim).
Verne enjoyed a robust career in management consulting in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Washington State and the Northwest Territories through Bearing Point and Sierra Systems.
Verne and Pat enjoyed many colourful adventures, including US and Canada motorcycling trips, RV trips, music festivals, and camping. In their many Washington State trips, Verne and Pat always made time to visit their favourite casinos (Verne was a lucky gambler in that regard!). Special time with family was spent on a 2023 trip to the Hawaiian Islands.
A travel feature was their 2009 cross Atlantic cruise of 19 days which took them to Puerto Rico, Martinique, Madeira Island, Portugal, Spain and France, culminating in a trip around the UK.
A huge highlight was their 2023 US and Canada RV trip, visiting many long time friends and important landmarks like Ottawa’s Parliament buildings, Nova Scotia’s Peggy’s Cove and Bay of Fundy, PEI’s Anne of Green Gables historic site, and Newfoundland’s Viking settlement.
One of the happiest days of Verne’s life was when he was reconnected with high school friend, Pat, after being apart for 30 years. Verne’s mother commented “you finally got it right!”.
Verne’s family and friends commonly referred to his calm nature, loyal friendships and earnest support through some challenges that friends and family experienced. Verne was our rock-solid pillar of strength!
The world needs more compassion and loyalty as Verne shared so easily.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, May 8th in Victoria, B.C.
Cremation entrusted to Drake Cremation and Funeral Services in Kamloops.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given, if desired, to the SPCA (Verne loved animals).
The family would appreciate confirmation from those who would like to attend the service.
To confirm your attendance please email pattisplat@hotmail.com by April 30th, and you will be notified of further details.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Daphne Goode
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Diana and Jim Gordon Our hearts are heavy as we are deeply saddened by our family’s loss of dear Verne. We always appreciated his many talents, whether he was enjoying his hobby of stained glass work, or demonstrating his wonderful cooking and hosting skills! Verne provided friendship and support to everyone he knew, coupled with a refreshing dry sense of humour. He was very kind hearted and generous, and truly made a difference. We will always have fond memories of Verne as a true gentleman in our family and will miss him dearly.
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Duane Salmon We’ll miss you more than words can say, Verne, but we’ll carry you with us in our hearts every day.
You will never be forgotten. Goodbye, my friend.
A truly loyal and caring gentleman has left our family, and we are all grieving. Verne’s easy going manner and hospitality at countless family events are part of his legacy. His caring and concern for others was evident throughout our lives, as he gently coached or cajoled through life’s events in our family. An unbelievable and selfless contributor, he and Pat built a suite in their own home for our mother and stepfather in their latter years, with Verne acting as cherished master chef and entertainer-so appreciated by all! I will always remember him being the first one out of bed each morning when I was visiting Verne and Pat-he especially wanted to make sure the animals were fed first, and then onto pancakes or egg breakfast-his specialty. Verne’s wry sense of humour lightened many days. Your impact on my life will never be forgotten and you will always be in my heart, Verne.