Vernon Lee Mathison, 82, passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2023, in Grand Coulee, Washington.

Vern was born on Feb. 16, 1941, in Littlefork, Minnesota to Vivian and Wallace Mathison. He lived in Cousin and went to school in Orr.

Vern served in the Army for five years. He was a sergeant. He served in Korea in 1963, and in the Vietnam War in 1965-1966. He received two Purple Hearts among other numerous awards.

He moved to Washington state in 1967. He married Judy Danyluk, also from Minnesota in 1968. They had been married for 47 years and lived in Montesano.

He was a timber faller for 40 years and owned his own contract cutting company. He also owned his own commercial fishing boat for 11 years.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed taking his grandchildren hunting and fishing for many years. He hunted locally and in Utah and Idaho. He loved fishing for Walleye in Banks Lake. He and his wife spent summers in Grand Coulee and he eventually moved there in 2016. He had a special place in his heart for pets.

Vern is survived by his daughter Gail (Kevin) Bussard; sister Iva Johanson; sister Mavis (Scotty) Appleby; grandchildren Lindsey (Joshua) Roller and Jordan Bussard (Kori Goudey); great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Vern was preceded in death by his son Dale Mathison; wife Judy Mathison; brother Dennis Mathison and sister Patsy Gunderson.

A memorial for family and friends will be held at a later date.