Col. (Retired) Elwin Artz Vernon
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Elwin passed away December 3, 2021 after a remarkable life in the service of his country and caring for the family he cherished. Preceded in death by his beloved wife Ora and his middle daughter Helaine, he leaves behind his two daughters, Nancy and Gail. Elwin had four siblings Kenneth, Frances, Vesper and James all who preceded him in death. He was able to keep in communication with friends and family by phone, email and occasional visits from the children and grandchildren of his siblings and his own and Ora's family. Those who knew him as dad, uncle, grandpa, great-grandpa, cousin and friend know what they meant to him and his love and pride in them.
By achieving the age of 100 years, he endured the loss of many family members and contemporaries in the military. His social life was still vibrant with the help of local residents, medical professionals, local business people and church members. The Covid-19 pandemic severely limited his outings this past year but he remained staunch in observing the CDC recommendations. His socializing became the gift from close friends and family who were careful to keep him and themselves safe.
At 99 he was still buying and delivering food to city outreach programs as well as donating regularly for many, many years to a number of charitable organizations.
Elwin was an "old school" gentleman who always observed the conventions of courtesy and respect. He treated people fairly, raised his children strictly but lovingly and adored Ora, his wife of 70 years and provided the material necessities of life to his family. (When they were married in 1941 Elwin was earning $49 per month. He and Ora lived on a budget as he would never borrow money yet the family thrived.)
When Elwin was fighting in Europe during WWII the jeep he was riding in ran over two land mines. He said he was blown up in a huge ball of fire and thought "this is the end." His eardrums were blown in but he regained some hearing and then lost it as he aged. It was not "the end" and Elwin went on to a very productive life: a military career with many awards and decorations, community service with the church and scouting, teaching his kids and grandkids (girls included) how to do practical things like house repairs, making a food garden, fishing, basic auto like adding oil and changing tires and many more. He was a teacher at heart.
One of the happiest moments of his life was the 100th birthday celebration given him on March 4th in Anacortes. The parade and people and groups honking and waving delighted him and he kept talking about it. It was such an honor for him. "There were so many people there. I didn't know all of them but I thought the whole thing was wonderful."
As he requested Elwin will be buried in Tehama National Cemetery with full military honors. A memorial is being planned for after the holidays at Anacortes First Baptist Church.