On Saturday, the 9th of January, Vern ended a one hundred year great adventure to begin his next. His death follows 4 years after that of Marva Rose, his wife of 74 years. A man of simple tastes and pleasures, Vern went through life with a dry wit, a mischievous grin, and an indomitable spirit. His great passion and enthusiasm for life and community was always in evidence.
Vern was born in Charbonneau, ND, the eldest of seven brothers. With the 10 year old Vern in tow, the family moved to Wibaux, Montana where Vern remained through his high school years. He excelled in all sports, especially basketball. As a young man, armed with a frontier spirit and a dogged determination, Vern hitchhiked and ‘rode the rails' to Portland OR, his mother having sewn the few available dollars into his pockets as his only provision. It was in Portland where Vern first met Marva Rose Hartse. Vern and Marva wed in 1937.
A personable young man, quick with a smile and a laugh, Vern was a tireless worker dedicating himself to whatever task or opportunity presented itself.
In a rapid succession of positions, after impressing the owner, he was invited to join American Optical as manufacturers' representative which took him throughout the western US. His entrepreneurial nature saw an opportunity and, with Marva at his side, Vern moved to Salt Lake City in 1945 to establish Wolcott Optical Service. As the owner, Vern was often in the lab until after midnight, only to return early the next day. His great dedication to his customers and craft provided Wolcott Optical Service the foundation as a premier destination for quality eyewear.
As Wolcott Optical continued to grow, Vern founded and ran multiple other businesses including Thunderbird Aviation and Midwest Optical.
With his pilot's license and Piper Comanche, Vern expanded his neighborhood and fed his need to explore, venturing throughout the western US and into Mexico. His wide travels and fearless spirit brought him into contact with many famous and infamous characters over the years. The sharing of his adventures has enthralled and delighted family and friends.
Vern welcomed the challenges of later years with the same determination and humor that led him in his earlier life. When his beloved Marva took ill, he stayed steadfastly at her side providing for her until her passing on December 25, 2011.
After retirement, this master carpenter was often found in his shop contributing his time and talent to others. He found great joy in the building and gifting of his many creations. Among his favorite projects were weathervanes and pens, which he would donate to augment fundraising to his preferred charities. He and Marva generously supported many charities but especially, the Reading Room for the Blind, Huntsman Cancer Institute, the Birch Creek Boys Service Ranch, Shriners Hospital, and the Ronald MacDonald House.
Vern never looked down on others except when offering a hand to help them up. With no children of their own, both Vern and Marva opened their hearts and home to many and, in doing so, have provided inspiration to many more.
He is survived by his brothers Harvey Wolcott and Willis Stelter and their spouses and many nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews. Vern was preceded in death by his wife Marva, his brothers Glen, Harold, Bobby and Wesley.
With his passing, the family would like to express our sincere gratitude to those caregivers at Danville Support Services and Midas Creek Home and Hospice for all their attention and kindness. A special thank you to Mark Lewis for everything he did for and with Vern.
A memorial for Vern Wolcott will be held at Larkin Mortuary at 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City on Saturday, January 23, 2016 between the hours of 11:00 am and 12:30 pm, followed by a graveside service at Mount Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Reading Room for the Blind or the Birch Creek Boys Service Ranch.
"Lord, you have a good man. I expect him to treat you well but, you better work on your jumpshot!"
