Vernon Burt

Many of you know Vern Burt, maybe from the Freeland Cafe, the Whidbey Island Bank, Payless, Linds, Ace Hardware, the post office and all around Freeland.

He had a goal of reaching 100 and he almost achieved that, passing away at the age of 99 on Saturday, March 16, 2013, at his home on Holmes Harbor. In his last weeks, he was cared for by his wonderful caregivers, Hospice and family. Almost any time of the day in those last several months, he had visits from family and friends which he loved so much, exchanging stories, laughing and enjoying the view he so enjoyed.

He never really knew a stranger and would take up a conversation with anyone he met, letting them know his advanced age was his favorite topic.

He and his wife purchased their land on Whidbey in the 1940s and Vern later built their log home where they spent summers. Upon his wife’s death in 1984 he moved to Whidbey to spend the rest of his years close to the waters he loved.

There will be a memorial service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland on Saturday, April 6, at 4 p.m. We, his family and friends, hope you will attend.

We are fortunate to have known and loved him -– we will miss him.