LaVerne F. Ward, age 90, passed away Saturday, May 12, 2007 at the Mira Vista Care Center in Mount Vernon, WA.
He was born May 21, 1916 in Fargo, North Dakota, the son of Elmer and Lulu Chafee Ward.
LaVerne came to Anacortes from North Dakota at the age of 9 and later graduated from Hoquiam High School. After high school, he hauled loads of wood from Hoquiam to Wenatchee to exchange for fruit. He later served with the CCC’s and while stopping at a park near Mount Baker, he helped his future wife, Velma start a campfire. They were married on March 17, 1936 in Okanogan, WA and they celebrated 65 years together until her passing in 2001. During the years of their marriage, they resided in Bellingham, Leavenworth, Fairbanks, AK, Anacortes, Sedro-Woolley, and numerous other communities around Washington State.
LaVerne owned and operated a machine shop in Leavenworth for many years and later worked as a heavy equipment mechanic in road construction for Green Construction in Alaska working on the Alaska Pipeline until his retirement.
He enjoyed fishing and traveling after retirement and after his wife’s passing, he looked forward to driving up river with his dog, Peppie, while living in Sedro-Woolley.
LaVerne is survived by his children and their spouses; Larry and Bette Ward of Pasco, Donna and Carl Nelson of Mount Vernon, Pat and Fran Ward of Quincy, MA, Gail and George Furford of Gettysburg, PA, and Roger Ward of Smokey Point. 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Velma, sons, Eddie Vern Ward and Bryan Ward, a daughter Pamela Ward, brothers, Arlo, Otho, and Marvin and a sister Betty.
Graveside Services will be Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 1:00 PM at the Cashmere Cemetery in Cashmere, WA. Memorials are suggested to the Humane Society of Skagit County 18911 Kelleher Rd Burlington, WA 98233. Arrangements and Services under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.