Vernon Stone

Vernon Lewis Stone, 70, of Libby, died Monday, April 10, 2006, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center after a short illness. He was surrounded by his loving companion, Nedra, and four children.

He had been a resident of Libby since 2004, realizing a lifelong dream of living in a log home in a beautiful forest setting.

Vernon was born April 16,1935, in Ogden, Utah, the only child of Delmas L. and Madaleina Payne Stone. A longtime resident of Weber County, he attended schools there and graduated from Ogden High School in 1953.

He married the love of his life, Nedra Brown, on Aug. 13, 1954. Together they had five children, four of whom survive him: Mark A. Stone and wife Deb of Seattle and David L. Stone and wife Leah, Kris Andreason and Shelly Adams, all of Utah. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, daughter Lisa and great-grandson Tyler Fairchild.

Before the ravages of post polio syndrome attacked his physical body, Vern enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, bowling and extensive travel. He was a coach for Little League football along the Wasatch Front for many years. A classic car buff, he had shown a red 1970 Mercedes 280 SL at Utah car shows, winning his share of blue ribbons.

He had been an Ogden City fireman and auto parts salesman and manager for more than 40 years. During the city's Pioneer Days Celebration, Vern had won the beard growing contest twice, once for the best and once for the longest. He will take this beard with him. An inactive member of the LDS church, he was in every way a true and honest man, generous with his knowledge and wisdom. He will be sorely missed by his many friends, business associates, family and pets.

At Vern's request, cremation has taken place in Libby where there will be no services. A celebration of his life will be announced later in Utah.