Vernon P. Swanes' Obituary
Vernon P. Swanes passed away on May 16, 2003. The first child of Clare and Oswald Swanes, he was born on July 4, 1923 and lived his entire life in Tacoma, WA.Vern graduated from Stadium High School and the University of Washington, where he was President of his fraternity, Delta Upsilon, a member of the Oval Club (menÂ's honorary), Pan Xenia (foreign trade honorary) and Tyee Club.He was the third generation of his family to own and operate Northern Fish Products, Inc. Vern served as President of Northwest Fisheries, was President and cofounder of the West End Athletic Corp., which today is Vassault Park, served on the Board of Directors of the Al Davies Boys and Girls Club, a volunteer for S.C.O.R.E. and was a member of the Tacoma Yacht Club, University Union Club, Tacoma Club, and a lifetime member of the Tacoma Elks Lodge. Vern had a wonderful competitive spirit throughout his lifetime; he was the Rifle Competition City Champion at Stadium High School and ran the Sound to Narrows for many years until he was 74. Vern is survived by the love of his life, Vivienne; their three children, Susan Sinclair (Tim), John Swanes (Pam), and Nancy Jones; grandchildren, Joanna Hoertkorn, Ross, Carl, and Emily Swanes, Jon and Craig Jones; sisters, Mary Latimer (Norval); and Ann Kirby (Chuck), and many nieces, nephews, and friends.A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2003 at 11 AM in the Mt. View Valley Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the AlzheimerÂ's Association or to Franciscan Hospice.
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