Vern L. Canfield
“avid fisherman”
Vern L. Canfield, 74, of Smethport, PA, formerly of Ceres, PA and North Hudson, NY, died Wednesday, February 24, 2010 in Sena-Kean Manor, Smethport, after a long illness.
Born March 24, 1935 in Shinglehouse, PA, he was a son of Sherman Sr. and Eva Kemp Canfield. On December 19, 1985 in Richburg, NY, he married Mary Frances Pearson, who died on February 7, 1997.
Mr. Canfield was a graduate of Smethport High School, class of 1953. Vern grew up on the family farm in Ceres, PA, having worked long hours before and after school. He was employed for Servidone Construction in Castleton, NY for over 20 years and was known for his great expertise in welding on all heavy equipment, bridges and water dams throughout the country.
He was a life member of the Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department, where he was very active in fundraising along with his friend, the late Kenneth “Baldy” Herzog. Together they organized many chicken barbeques and sold Christmas trees as a fundraiser. He was a life member of the NRA, the American Fishing Association, a member of the NACA, and a member of the Richburg (NY) Rod and Gun Club. He was an avid fisherman, especially enjoying his trips salmon fishing in the state of Washington with his daughter, Ronda and her husband, Sid, and his granddaughter, Whitney. Vern will be remembered as a very caring man, assisting anyone who needed help.
Surviving are a daughter, Ronda (Sid) Samora of Silverdale, Washington; three sons, Dennis Vern Canfield of Silverdale, Washington, Joseph E. (Theresa) Canfield of Bothel, Washington, and Scott Canfield; eleven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a sister, Jacqueline (Robert) Ross of Cedar Park, Texas; many nieces and nephews; and a special longtime and caring friend, Joyce G. Burdick of North Hudson, NY.
In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Canfield was predeceased by a daughter, Debbie Canfield; two brothers, Sherman Canfield, Jr. and Leon Canfield; and five sisters, Lenora Canfield, Arlena Roundsville, Phyllis Coleman, Jean Phillips, and Rena Armstrong.
A special thank you to Sena-Kean Manor staff for all the loving care given to Vern. A very special thank you to his caring grandchildren, Eric, Brandy, Lisa and Nicole for all the love and support they gave Grandpa.
At Vern’s request, there will be no public visitation. Friends are invited to attend graveside burial services on Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse. The Rev. Leon J. Canfield, Vern’s nephew and pastor of the First Baptist Church of Bradford, will officiate.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 475, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.