Vernen Duerksen
Age 82, passed away November 23rd, 2009 at his home in Burnaby B.C. after a valiant battle with cancer.
Funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Thursday December 3rd at the Bell & Burnaby Funeral Chapel, 4276 Hastings Street, Burnaby B.C. Interment at the Ocean View Burial Park, 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby, B.C..
Vern was born August 24th, 1927 in Altona, Manitoba to John and Helena Duerksen.
He proudly served with distinction with the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry as a Pioneer in Korea, was a member of the PPCLI Association (Vancouver Branch) and a member and supporter of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 148).
He retired from the Chevron Standard Oil Company as a Maintenance Supervisor, after a long standing career working in the Burnaby refinery.
Vern spent a good portion of his retirement building and enjoying his second home in the Mahood Falls area of the Caribou in Central BC. He carved this second home from raw land, creating a place that was shared and enjoyed by family and friends and over the many years, became a permanent member of the Mahood Falls Community
His family wrote: “Vern had loved fishing, hunting and his dogs. He also enjoyed meeting and sharing life stories with everyone he met and always told a good one. Our Dad was a good caring man and will be greatly missed by his family and everyone who knew him. He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather, undaunted in his belief that the most important thing in life was and remains his family. ”
Mr. Duerksen was predeceased by his beloved wife Clare. Survived by his brother John of Winnipeg, Manitoba, daughters Lorraine Head (Michael), Maureen MacPherson (Doug Turnbull), Christine Whittington (Ian), Cheryl Duke (Marvin) and Janice Christian (Al), grandchildren Brea, Sandra, Karyn, Steven, Jamie, Devan, Robyn and James, and great-grandchild Brooklyn.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.bellburnaby.com
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I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Dear Christine & all the rest of the family:
I read about the passing of your dad in today’s paper and wanted to let you know that my thoughts are with you at this time. I have great memories of your dad making me eat some toast and his good hearty tummy laugh…definately a ‘dad’ we all enjoyed sharing. Take care and please feel the cyberhugs,
Susan
Very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing.
Dear Maureen and all your sisters. Your dad was a wonderful dad. I remember him fondly. All my love goes out to you in your grief. He is in a peaceful place now with your mom. My mom and dad send their sympathies.
Dear Maureen and Family,
Words cannot possibly express how sorry we are on the loss of your beloved Dad. You are all in our thoughts at this difficult time…
Love Heather & Geoff (and Family)
Maureen and the rest of the family – we are so sorry for your loss.
Dear Maureen and Family,
Our thoughts of love and support are with you during this time of loss . Maureen we know you have many fond memories and cherished moments with your Dad these moments you will hold deeply in your heart. We are very sorry for your loss .
With love ,
Heather and Neil
Please accept our sincere condolences for your lost. Vern was a very good neighbour and friend of our family. Yours sincerely, Felix & family.
Our condolences on Vern’s passing. Our thoughts are with all of the family during this difficult time. I enjoyed working with Vern for many years. He was a wonderful person who had the strong support of his family and friends. I will miss him greatly.