Obituary - Vernon Enslen
Vernon Enslen
1946 - 2025
Vern Enslen of Medicine Hat, passed from our lives at 3:21 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 79 years young. Vern had been considering a continued career of fixing, inventing and remaking one thing into another at home, but his very first immunotherapy infusion attacked both his muscles and nerve endings, and within a few weeks, ended his home career path. His bravery was never in doubt when he, along with Kandace, chose when he would leave her side. Vern’s last words were, “No place I’d rather be” and Kandace’s answer was as always, “Next to you, next to me.”
Vern left his wife, Kandace; much loved son, Kelly (Stephanie, Joshua and Ashton); and children of the heart, Robert, Jordan and Jessica (Sophia and Jackson). He also leaves many family and friends to miss his big smile, twinkling eyes, good humour and some kinda funny jokes. He has also rejoined his beloved fur family.
Vern can now say that he accepted a new position that he really could not refuse. It included a sign-on bonus of good health, reunions with family and friends and total access to all the metal and machinery he could ever want. Vern can also save even more of the things he ever wanted to work on with no complaints from anyone, including his wife. All the knephla and strudels he loves are also now available any time he wants. He will be amazed at his golfing at par, finally getting a hole in one, perfect 180’s in darts and his knees will finally be straight and strong and he will regain the height he had lost. Then, when asked how he is, instead of saying “darn near perfect”, he can honestly say “perfect”. Vern loved his friends and all sports he ever played. His golf and dart friends were very special to him over the last years and he could hardly wait for Monday golf in the summer. Golf, great friends, the talking and singing “on the bridge” turned out to be his best times and favourite memories. All were very special to him.
The Celebration of Vern’s love for family and friends during his time here will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. with fellowship thereafter in the Reflections Reception Facility (next to the Funeral Home). As everyone knows, Vern was a casual kind of guy, so those attending should please dress with that in mind. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honour of Vern’s love of animals may be made to APARC, 3184 Gershaw Drive S.W., Medicine Hat, AB., T1B 3N1 or to SPCA, 55 Southwest Drive S.W., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 8E8.
NOTE: For the fellowship that follows the celebration, those wishing to purchase a drink from the bar will need cash as there is no bank machine on site and payment by credit/debit will not be accepted.
May 9th
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Susan Pope and Lawrence Heck:
Apr 29, 2025 at 03:58 PM
Candice, very sorry to hear of Vern’s passing. I will dearly miss his shoulder rub letting me know he was at the Tigers games, we had a good laugh and he would tease me and say “you need to holler louder nobody can hear you,”; I would reply, "so sorry I don’t realize how loud I get as I get right into games" and he would say “no that’s what the game needs; enthusiastic fans!" C condolences, prayers and thinking of you and the family.
Freda:
Apr 29, 2025 at 07:31 PM
Kandace I am so sorry to hear about Vern's passing. We were in the same classes in school, have known him forever. Please except our condolences. Fly with the Angels Vern. xoxox Freda and Harold
Jared Bergen:
Apr 29, 2025 at 09:36 PM
Candace and I are so sorry to hear of the passing of Vern. You two were the best neighbours ever. I loved having a beer and shooting the shit with Vern out in the alley or garage. He taught me so many little tricks on how to build and fix things, such a great guy. I’ll never forget him
Cam Wiersma:
Apr 30, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Vern was always a good man who was always willing to help and enjoyed helping people out. He will be missed by many.R.I.P.
Patty Drysdale:
Apr 30, 2025 at 01:50 PM
The world has lost a very special human. Sincere condolences to Kandace and all of Vern’s loved ones.
Larry Biko:
May 01, 2025 at 12:34 PM
There will never be another Vern. Rest in peace.
David Yaworsky:
May 01, 2025 at 08:35 PM
Vern was one of the greatest men I've ever known. His smile, positivity, enthusiasm and livability was a testament of his strength. We will miss him everyday, but never forgotten.
Terry and Vicki Stuber:
May 01, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Sending our condolences to Vern’s family at this sad time. So very sorry …
Marvin & Delores Baumann:
May 01, 2025 at 10:34 PM
So sad to hear of Vern's passing, a wonderful step-brother for many years. Many good times were had together with you, Vern !! We will always remember. Sincerest Sympathy to Kandace, Kelly & all the family. Rest in Peace Vern... Marvin & Delores Baumann
Lee Robins:
May 02, 2025 at 01:56 PM
What a beautiful obituary! It made me smile all the way. RIP Vern. My condolences to Kandace and the rest of the family.
Randy Humphrey:
May 03, 2025 at 10:36 AM
To the family
My condolences to each and everyone you on the news of Vern’s passing …I enjoyed being around Vern at our local Oilmens Events. He was a gentleman with great character and always entertaining to be around …we will all miss him 🙏
Ken & Bonnie Seitz:
May 03, 2025 at 04:32 PM
Kandace & family,
We are so sorry for your loss! May all the good memories override some of the sadness you feel now. Vern was a great guy, and would do anything he could for anyone. May he rest in peace in machinery heaven.🏌🏻♂️🎯😢
Ken & Bonnie
Leahann /Gordon Rawleigh:
May 04, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Kandace and family; so sorry to hear of Vern’s passing. We will never forget the fun and friendship we had while we lived in Medicine Hat. Sending you our sincere sympathy.
Erika Bertsch:
May 05, 2025 at 03:42 PM
Dear Kandace and family.
We were heartboken to hear about Vern's passing. Although it has been a long time since we last saw you both, we have warm memories of our time together and remember Vern as a kind and genuine person. Please know that our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Stan and Erika
Douglas Thorson:
May 05, 2025 at 06:25 PM
My old friend Kandace, I am so sorry to hear of your best friend, Vern, passing away. He always had a smile on his face, with never a complaint about anything. He will be dearly missed.
Harold Scholz:
May 06, 2025 at 08:43 AM
We're going to miss you my old friend. Happy machining.
Till we see each other again
Duane:
May 06, 2025 at 09:13 AM
Great visit at golf every week...always smiling...will miss seeing him...my condolences to his family
Marino and Jean Rapuano:
May 06, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Our sincere condolences to Ed and Marlene and family .
Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.
RIP Vern.
Ron Zamrykut and Anna Laporta:
May 07, 2025 at 07:50 PM
Kandace, we are so very sorry for your loss of a great man! Vern was one of the nicest persons we have ever known, with his infectious smile, positive attitude and just an overall wonderful man. He will be truly missed by all! I am so glad we got to know him. God bless!
Nigel Grant:
May 09, 2025 at 03:01 PM
Kandace and family, so sorry for your loss. I knew Vern for many years at the base. Always a happy go lucky guy. Always had time to tell a joke and story. Such a knowledgeable person who will be missed by all who know him. Rest in Peace Vern. Till we meet again!