Vernon F. “Vern” Sims, a lifetime resident of Sedro-Woolley, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 23, 2014 at his home at the age of 89 years.  He was born in Alert Bay, British Columbia on April 27, 1925 to Franklin Oliver and Florence Johanna (Draney) Sims.

Vern is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marie and his sons, Dan and his wife Sandi and Lance and his wife Jan all of Sedro-Woolley; four grandchildren, Nicole, Bridgitte, Caleb, and James and his wife Stacey and four great-grandchildren, Austyn, Abigayle, Colin, and Victoria.

Vern grew up in Sedro-Woolley and graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School in 1943.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1944 serving as a corporal in pilot training and as a physical education instructor; he also was a golden glove boxing participant during his service time.  After his discharge, Vern attended Washington State University and the University of Washington graduating with a degree in accounting. 

He began his career in the automobile business 66 years ago working for Berglund Motors in Sedro-Woolley as the office manager.  Soon after, Vern was offered a sales position and won a trip to Hawaii by Ford Motor Co., which began his long and successful career in auto sales and service.  He purchased the Ford dealership in the early 1960’s and he later with the help of his sons established Honda dealerships in Mount Vernon in 1978, Wenatchee in 1983, and Bellingham in 1988.  Vern, at 89, had been very active all his life, both at work or on his farm.  He was always dressed in a suit, going to his office daily up to the last two weeks of his life.

Sedro-Woolley and being involved with the community was very important to Vern.  Some of his accomplishments were, member and past president of the Washington State Auto Dealers Association, Time Magazine Dealer of the Year, Pioneer Skagit County Family in 1997, Sedro-Woolley High School Community Recognition Award,  Grand Marshall of the Sedro-Woolley Loggerodeo Parade,  long time Board Member of InterWest Bank (later becoming Wells Fargo Bank),  and he was quite involved with the development of the North Cross State Highway, he developed the Cedar Ridge Estates at Lake 16 and Brick Yard Creek in Sedro-Woolley. Vern was a lifetime member of  George Baldridge Post #43 American Legion, Burlington United Lodge #93 F&AM and the Shrine.  He was a 50 year member of the Sedro-Woolley Rotary Club, serving as president from 1976-77 and was a Paul Harris Fellow.

Vern loved hunting with his friends and sons.  Their home was adorned with trophy mounts from hunting trips to Mongolia and Canada; he also enjoyed hunting and fishing in Alaska and Canada, bird hunting in Mexico as well as annual ski trips to Montana and other resorts with Marie for many years.

The family would like to extend a thank you to both Dr. Teak Martin and Dr. Duncan Landreth for all their care.  Also a special thanks to the Northwest Hospice Nurses and Visiting Angels for all their care.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 1:00PM at the Sedro-Woolley High School Auditorium with a reception to follow in the school cafeteria.  Memorials are suggested to Hospice of the Northwest, Visiting Angels, The Landing, or a charity of your choice.