Obituary of Vernon Alexander Lane

Vernon Alexander Lane 82, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2010, after an 18-month struggle with cancer. He is survived by Emily, his loving wife of 60 years; his three sons and their families, Douglas, Donald (Janette), David (Michelle); and grandchildren Stephen, Janice and Curtis. He is also survived by his brother, Ken and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, James and Margaret, and siblings, Doris, Doug, Florence, Fred, Harold, Marjorie and Milton. Vernon enjoyed several careers over the course of his lifetime, beginning with 25 years service in the Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC). During this time he served one tour of duty in Washington, D.C., where their oldest sons, Doug and Don, were born; and two tours of duty in Soest, Germany, where their youngest son, David was born. Vernon retired as a Warrant Officer, CD from the Canadian Armed Forces in 1972, and he and Emily retired for the first time on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, settling first in Hebbville, and later Bridgewater. Vernon later worked for 15 years at Michelin, as a Security Officer, Fire Chief, and First Aid and Fire Instructor. Since then, Vernon has been an active member of the Michelin Retirees Club, and until recently he and Emily organized this group's activities. Vernon's third "career" revolved around the volunteer work he undertook throughout his lifetime. A tireless worker, he was particularly attached to St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Bridgewater. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 35 years where he was a past Grand Knight and a Third Degree Knight. Up until a few years ago, he handled much of the maintenance work for the parish and was always ready to lend a hand when Emily needed help catering at the church or Hebbville Ladies Auxiliary. Vernon was also a Cub and Scout leader in the 1960s and 70s. Everyone who knew Vernon knows how devoted he was to his family, friends, church and community. He had an open mind, a generous heart and an incredibly industrious spirit. No task was too big or too small, and everything he did, he did with gusto. He also had many hobbies and interests, and will be remembered for the enthusiasm with which he enjoyed each day. He hunted and fished for many years, and spent many enjoyable days kayaking and canoeing with his boys. He also loved a good game of pool and hosted a weekly pool night for many years. he had a passion for tinkering around his property and building things large and small. Vernon loved a good project and ensured that all of his family members had a hand with whatever they were working on, whether it was a home-made kayak, a tree house, cottage, observatory, or major rock moving to build a garden. In later years he and Emily were keen golfers and they spent many happy mornings on the golf course. He lived a full life, and lived life to the fullest each and every day. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, and remembered always. A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 12 at 2 p.m., in St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Pleasant Street in Bridgewater, with burial service immediately after and a reception to follow in the Parish Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the South Shore Regional Hospital Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.