Obituary of Vern Walborn

WALBORN: LaVerne Albert

One June 16, 1938, Marie (Weaver) and Lewis Walborn welcomed their third son, LaVerne into the world. Along with his older brothers, Don and Dale; Vern grew up in rural Ohio, near Alliance. Vern enjoyed an abundance of activities such as fishing and building paper airplanes. He would spend hours building these airplanes out of balsa wood and tissue paper he had saved from Christmas presents. He also loved hunting for arrow heads at a creek bed near his home. Unfortunately, as a young boy Vern contracted Undulant fever from drinking raw milk. He spent years at home recovering and later as an adult would require an aortic valve replacement.  

A great passion of Vern’s was education. He took great interest in his studies and would live a life of learning. After many years of study, Vern’s final degree was a Masters in Media Studies. He had more than a few careers in his lifetime and was proud of them. Vern worked as an x-ray technician to finance his education. Afterwards he worked in both chemistry and biochemistry. In 1967 Vern moved to Canada to work as a Medical Photographer at Toronto General Hospital, where being skilled at his work earned him more than a few awards. His final career at TGH was as a Medical Engineer. He retired in 2000.  Vern’s greatest accomplishment in life, however, was his connection to people. He was a kind, humble and empathetic man who was a great listener. He truly enjoyed people. 

Vern was a spiritual man, always looking for a deeper meaning in life. He was open to all religions and what they had to teach him. He was a voracious reader on the subject.  In recent years he was particularly interested in Celtic and Aboriginal spirituality.  The last book he read was ‘The Great Search’ by John Philip Newell.  

During retirement Vern enjoyed a wide variety of activities. He spent many hours working on his beloved 1967 Austin Healey - that he bought in 1967! He restored an old wooden Wayfarer sailboat and sailed it out of the Pigeon Lake Yacht Club, where he was an active member. He was also an active church member at both Bellefair United Church in Toronto, and then Trinity United Church in Bobcaygeon. On Saturdays during football season, he would cheer on the Ohio Buckeyes. Vern enjoyed travelling with his partner in life, they took many trips together - of course part of the enjoyment for Vern was meeting new people.  

Unfortunately, on December 2, while walking his pal, Dundee; Vern fell on some black ice and hit his head, suffering a subdural hematoma. Due to complications of warfarin treatment that was needed for his heart valve, he was unable to recover. Vern passed away peacefully on December 21 surrounded by family and friends. 

Vern will be missed by many close friends, including Ann Lapenna, but especially by Mary (his partner of 21 years) and her daughters, Kelly, Sarah and their families.  

The family would like to thank the kind staff at Ross Memorial Hospital for Vern’s excellent care and treatment.  A special thanks to Dr. Murphy and Dr. MacMillan, who showed a special interest in Vern. 

A memorial service will be held at Trinity United Church, 44, William Street, Bobcaygeon, on Sunday January 12, 2024 at 2:00 PM.  A reception will follow in the fellowship hall of the church.