September 24, 1926 - May 7, 2024
In loving memory ~
The family of Vernon Bernard Ciccone are saddened to announce his passing on May 7, 2024, after a long and fruitful life. Vern was born September 24, 1926, in Prince Rupert to Gaetano and Vienna Ciccone and spent most of the first half of his life in the north coast of British Columbia. Vern lived through the most eventful times in human history, growing up in the Great Depression, and coming of age during World War Two. He contributed to the war effort by working in the shipyards as a teenager, joining the Navel Sea Cadets, and eventually enlisting in the Canadian Navy after graduation from Booth Memorial Highschool. The conflict ended before he was deployed overseas and was spared the horrors of war, returning to Prince Rupert to start adult life.
To summarize his life would take many pages, suffice to say his working career was in management in both the public and private sector, retiring at 60 to pursue travel and leisure. He had two long term relationships, being married twice, both spanning many decades. He was a civic leader in Prince Rupert, active in many community organizations and civic politics. In what you may call the second half of his life, his career brought him to different communities in our province, finally settling in the White Rock area. He travelled extensively, visiting those parts of the world that intrigued him most, and never passed up a tropical beach that presented itself. In his later years, RVing became a passion, fostering further adventures throughout North America.
Vern spent his final two years in long-term care in White Rock, visited daily by his wife Carol, and periodically by those who made the journey to his bedside. When his end seemed near, he held on long enough for those dear to him to say their final goodbyes. Then his body, mind, and soul let go and crossed over to what awaits all of us on the other side. His legacy lives on in those of us he touched, mentored, and guided with his thoughtful incite and wisdom. He will be sorely missed and not soon forgotten.
He is predeceased by his parents, son James, grandchildren Rylan and Emma, brother Edward, and stepdaughter Shelly. He is survived by his wife Carol (nee Hill), son Mark, brother Ron (and Sue), grandchildren Christian, Devin, and Tonya, daughter-in-law Betty (and Peter), great grandchildren, Jaden, Mya, Alivia, and Ryland, first wife Margie, and many extended family members. A special thank you to granddaughter Brandy Minch and husband Jake for the years of support in facilitating Vern and Carols independent living.
Memorial services will be announced at a future date.