Guest Book

I met Kathleen and Vern in Chicago - post sailing adventure. He made the world a better place by being in it and by bringing such joy to Kathleen and all those lucky enough to cross his path. I was always a little surprised when I remembered what Vern did for a living - IT stuff - because his personality and humor and love for life and sense of adventure seemed contrary to an IT guru. Reading the passage notes and learning of his "life lesson" I am overjoyed that he and Kathleen found their paradise and he pursued his passions. A life well lived - he was loved, he loved, and was in love. Rest in Peace Vern! - Judy Kukowski

Dear Kathleen, My condolences to you and your family. Vern sure did live life to the fullest. He looks like he was a force of life that will truly be missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love - Diane and JB Barnes

I met Kathleen when she "re-entered" the working world after her three year "sabbatical". I was so impressed with the "raw guts" of she and Vern for this major life experience. It was all confirmed as amazing when I had the opportunity to meet Vern and the sailboat! Vern and Kathleen became easy, fun friends and we shared many Chicago good times. When my husband (Kirk) and I moved to South Carolina, we were so happy to have them join us especially with their new Ms. Gracie! Being the major experienced seaman he was, Vern was able to teach us about our new waterways and introduced us to the pleasure of "crabbing" off our dock. He taught us how to property rope the trap for major effectiveness and maximum crabs! Then cooking them was also a learned treat. It's been a memorable 27+ years of friendship and we will miss Vern. Darn it, too, we had a new fangled boat to show him!. -Diane Smith

How do I sum up an individual that has had such an immense impact on my life. Yes, he is one of the biggest reasons that I decided Ajijic is my home. A welcoming, to insistence, golf friend that, too me a life long, oh I’ll just get paired up with someone at the course now doesn’t know what to do when nobody else wants to play that day. How do I express how much Vern taught me about gardening, golf, caring, and the passion I will carry on, Globos. But one thing he showed me that I practice everyday is paying it forward. For months Syd and I had one car and getting to golf was a challenge. Vern went out of his way to always make sure, by picking me up, three days a week I had a ride. I don’t think he minded, he never acted like it. What it taught me was to pay it forward, and to this day and forever I will always be the one to provide the ride, by paying this generosity Vern showed me forward to everyone. I can’t say that I’ve had a best friend in my life, I can now. Vern is my best friend. - Matt Sullins

Oh Kathleen, what a beautiful testament to such a well loved man! I know for a fact that Vern is probably the reason we're still in Ajijic. Matt met Vern soon after we arrived and came home talking about what a great guy he'd met at the golf course. Yep, "great guy" that sums it up. I cherish my memories of him, his warm laugh and wit. He will be sorely missed by so many. - Syd Sullins

As is always the case, you never really get to know a person until they are gone. I sat and read Vern's writings on this website not knowing he was ever an author and got a new insight into this wonderful man. To say Vern was special is an understatement. This tremendously loving, kind man is a loss to this world but I was so privileged to have known him. He always had a smile and a wave for me when he passed me by in his truck. I'll never forget him. - Ricardo Heckert

It's been a privilege knowing Vern, a strong man, kind hearted, a special soul. He was always willing to help - me and others. When I said that I wanted a pretty, small garden to look at through my kitchen window, he came right on board and also enlisted gardener/friend Miguel. Vern took charge and delineated my new garden with hose. It was absolutely perfect! Curves, not straight lines, as if he could read my mind 🙂 He then delivered bags upon bags of his own compost to prepare the existing harsh soil. He emailed a list of "vireos" where I could source the red/white/purple flowering plants that I wanted, at the best price. Miguel prepared the ground and planted them, with spectacular results! Vern's spirit "lives" forever in my garden ... Thank you, Vern, for the amazing gift of knowing you and for all of your help! With love - Michaela

Enjoyed the memories of Vern. Wish that we could have had longer to get to know him better. He was a good man and he will be missed. - Doug and Lynn Scott

I so enjoyed the Obit ... all the pictures ... Vern as the author. It is a great tribute to one who will not be forgotten. We who have known Vern, now have a deeper spiritual connection with him. He lived well and will be remembered for his gift of giving to others. I especially loved the story about the encounter with the old man on the dock, the owner of the dilapitated boat. The owner gave Vern a profound message to life. You will be fondly remembered Vern - Linda Buckthorp

Salud to a Special Friend Vern! Vern was the first person I met when I arrived to Lake Chapala in 2011. Vern taught me to not sweat the small stuff. When I would fret about small things that really did not matter. He would say, "Why do you care?" I will miss Vern's smile, laughter, humor and energy for a happy life. - Thomas Luke

I remember Vern. He was a good man and an excellent friend. I miss him. In Mexico as part of the culture, there is a belief - as long as someone is remembered they are never really gone- and so I remember Vern - Hal Forsyth

We welcome your memories of Vern or your messages to the family.