Beloved husband, father, grandpa and friend, Vernon Galbraith died peacefully in Mount Vernon, Washington at the age of 90. Vernon was born in Bellingham to Hugh & Pauline Galbraith. Vernon spent his youth hunting and fishing with his family in the Acme area. He skied at Mt. Baker at a young age when there was just a single rope tow. At age 16, Vernon took a trunk of his belongings and a train ride to New Mexico where he completed the last two years of high school at the New Mexico Military Institute. Along with learning to play polo, Vernon developed a love for aviation, acquired his pilot’s license at age 17, and went on to serve the country in the US Navy as a tail gunner in a PBM. Upon his return home, Vernon attended Western Washington College to pursue an engineering degree, but left midway through to help his father with Galbraith Bros Logging Co which he would eventually run with his brothers Alvin and Jim.
Vernon married the love of his life, Patricia Williams in 1947 and they remained in Acme until the logging operation took them to Darrington, WA. Vernon wore many hats while he was living in Darrington including being in charge of the Timberbowl, serving on the board for the Arlington Bank and being a founding director of the Hi Lead Loggers Association.
Vernon returned to his interest in engineering in the 70’s and eventually became President of Rothenbuhler Engineering in Sedro Woolley. In addition, Vernon went on to establish a restaurant serving one of his favorite foods; broasted chicken. He ran Jeremiah’s with his oldest son, Hugh, all while serving as president of Rothenbuhler’s and his local rotary club.
Upon retirement, Vernon pursued his love for carpentry and completed his dream home at Lake Cavanaugh, Washington where he and his family have enjoyed their summers for nearly 50 years. At age 77, Vernon began a new project with his daughter, Stephanie, building a log home at Lake Cavanaugh.
Vernon was always full of life. An avid snow skier and water skier, he spent many weekends teaching his family and friends how to ski. At age 74, Vernon met a group of 4 and 5-year-old children at Steven’s Pass weekly to teach skiing. Toward the end of the season, we would often see Vernon trailing the kids and shouting “hey you kids you need to stay out of the woods”. Of course, he would always end the run with a smile on his face and boast of their incredible ability to ski through the trees.
Vernon was preceded in death by his parents Hugh and Pauline Galbraith, and brothers Alvin and Jim Galbraith. He is survived by his beautiful wife Patricia (Williams) Galbraith of Darrington, his sister Mary Lea Johnson, and his children – Hugh (Chris) of Sedro Woolley, Dwight (Margaret) of Oak Harbor, Brett (Jude) of Darrington and Stephanie of Snohomish, along with his six grandchildren – Chad, Angela, Andrew, Elizabeth, Addison and Caden and four great grandchildren.
A memorial service for Vernon Galbraith will be held Saturday, February 18th at 10:30 AM at the Assembly of God Church in Darrington, followed by a luncheon at the Darrington Community Center. Later, the graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM at the Saxon Cemetery outside of Acme, Washington.
Sorry to read about your loss.
I have fond memories of our cross country team taking the bus to Mount Vernon for a workout using the family swimming pool. It was the highlight of the season as Hugh and I would come up with a variety of activities to condition the athletes (really just have a great time). We always felt welcomed and special. This was because of Vernon and Patricia. A very special couple and a wonderful giving man!