Vernon Clifton Canfield passed away June 17, 2014.

Born May 2, 1929 and raised in upstate New York, Vern was the oldest of five siblings.

He joined the Army in 1948 and spent four years in Germany. His active duty in the Army ended in 1954, but he continued to serve the country in the reserves. He graduated from officers’ training and ended his career in 1968 as a major.

While stationed at Fort Lewis, Vern met his soulmate Joan. They married in 1954 and started their 60-year journey. They had three children.

That same year, Vern began his banking career with National Bank of Washington as a teller. He spent 37 years with the bank and retired as a senior vice president.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf and his yearly trips to Mexico. Most of all, he cherished his family. He will be missed.

Vern is survived by his wife of 60 years Joan Canfield; brothers Fran and Delano of New York; sister Minerva; children Cliff, Mary Lu, Cheri, Cindy and Greg of Bainbridge Island; grandchildren Melissa, Benjamin, Jessica, Daniel, Kelsey and Anna; and great-grandchildren — Cylie, Ailey, Ayna and Mason.

Vern’s life will be celebrated from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 26 at Wing Point Country Club. Sign the online guest book at www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.