Tribute

Vern Rexin, 88 of Osoyoos passed away in Oliver, BC, on October 6, 2023.  He is survived by sons Jim (Tanya), Dennis (Kathryn) and Ted (Laura), grandchildren Logan, Gavin, Bryan, Natalie, Nolan and Havana, brothers Donald, Rick and Ernie, many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded by his wife Ann, mother Lydia, father Dan, sisters Velma and Muffy, brothers Harley, Kenny and Doug, niece Arlene, nephews Mark and Bob.

Born to parents Lydia and Dan in Rutland, May 7, 1935, Vern lived in Rutland and Whonnock, BC, before the growing family settled in Nicholson Creek in early winter of 1949.  Vern went to work horse logging fulltime shortly thereafter to help support the family.   By 1963, he had acquired a logging truck and John Deere dozer and established his own logging company.  Working mainly in the Boundary area, his company supplied local mills.  One of his first contracts out of the Boundary was cutting some of the first ski runs on Whistler.  Vern enjoyed rodeoing, judging and coaching softball during this time.

On June 15, 1968, he married his sweetheart, Ann Garrett in Rock Creek, BC.  They moved to 150 Mile House, where he worked in the mills, while she taught school.  In 1970, they moved back to Rock Creek, building a home and a family along the Kettle River.  They stayed there until fall of 2015, when they moved to Osoyoos.

Vern worked at Pope and Talbot from 1970 til he retired in 1996.  During this time, he developed his property, was active in free speech, leader in Boy Scouts, coached and umpired softball.  He was an active Lifetime member of the Rock Creek Fall Fair, judging, volunteering and taking on elected roles, up to Vice President.  He donated his spare time and money to supporting local recreation and those less fortunate.  Vern never let his lack of schooling limit him as he wrote poetry, was the editor of the Kettle River Tatler, precursor of today’s Kettle River Echo and maintained lifelong pen pals with many in Victoria, Ottawa and as far away as Washington, DC.

Vern was always proud and independent.  He is at peace now and will be missed.

A graveside ceremony will be held on October 15^th, at 2:00 pm at the Rock Creek Cemetery. A gathering for friends and family will occur immediately after at the Rock Creek Pavilion.

In Lieu of flowers, donations to the Covenant House in Vancouver would be appreciated.