Vern McPherson, age 80, went home to be with Jesus on December 4, 2009, after a very brief battle with cancer. He was born on September 2, 1929, in Lewiston, ID, to Lee and Eunice McPherson. His growing up years were spent in Kooskia and Lewiston and then he graduated from Clarkston High School in 1947. Vern served briefly in the National Guards during World War II. He married Edna V. Chase on June 6, 1948, in Lewiston, ID. Vern was working for his Dad in the grocery business called the McPherson Supermarket at the time of his marriage. He later purchased the business from his Dad and, along with his family, ran it from 1950 to 1960. Vern's passion for the outdoors and business led him to purchase a piece of property at Lowell, ID. He and his family developed a destination resort known as Lochsa Log Cabin Motel, located at the confluence of the Lochsa and Selway rivers. Vern and Edna sold this business in 1967, and purchased Chief Whitebird Motel in Whitebird, ID, which they operated for two years. A new highway development which would by-pass the motel precipitated the decision to move on and in 1968, they moved to Riggins, Idaho and started McPherson Import-Export business. During this period of time, Vern started manufacturing fishing lures, along with his family, which later became known as Mack's Lure Manufacturing Co. in 1969. In 1976, the family business was relocated to Leavenworth, WA. Vern ran this business until selling to his youngest son, Ray, in 1991, at which time, he and Edna retired in their log home on the Wenatchee River. Vern's retirement lasted approximately a full 90 days, when he decided to purchase, remodel and sell homes! He continued to contract with his son and make fishing lures on the side, to supplement the remaining hours of the day! Vern had a love for Jesus Christ that began as a young boy. He has been known for his deep love and devotion to his wife and family, singing, hunting, fishing, camping, horseshoes, golf and, as he would often say, "there is only one ice-cream made, maple nut!" Vern and Edna attended the Leavenworth Nazarene Church until they moved to Wenatchee in 2005, and then began attending Peshastin Assembly of God, pastored by his son-in-law and daughter. Vern filled his days loving and caring for his wife, visiting his children and grandchildren, and pursuing his never ending entertainer ideas! Due to his wife's failing health, they recently moved to an assisted living facility. Vern and Edna enjoyed 61 years of marriage.

He was preceded in death by his father, Marshall Lee McPherson; mother, Eunice Fanning McPherson; and two brothers, Ursel and Richard McPherson. He is survived by his wife, Edna McPherson of Wenatchee; children, Greg McPherson and wife, Candy of Leavenworth, Dawn Wooten and husband, Larry of Wenatchee and Ray McPherson and wife, Kathryn of Wenatchee; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one brother, Paul McPherson and wife, Janice of Clarkston, WA.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, December 9, 2009, at the Leavenworth Nazarene Church. There will be a Private Family Interment at Cashmere Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to Life-Trac Family Ministries and/or Peshastin Assembly of God. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements by Jones & Jones~Betts Funeral Home, Wenatchee.