Vernon Reinhardt

08/13/1920 ~ 10/26/2013
Vernon Reinhardt, age 93 of Bellingham, passed away October 26, 2013. Vernon was born on August 13, 1920 in Centralia, IL to Christ and Emma Reinhardt. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandmother, Caroline Huge and his son Vaughn Vernon Reinhardt. Vern was raised in Nashville, IL and attended Lutheran School. In February 1942, he joined the US Navy and worked as a radio operator for Navy Intelligence and was stationed in Guam, Philippine Islands, and Oahu during WWII; Adak, AK and Skaggs Island, CA during the Korean Conflict. He returned to Kent, WA to marry the love of his life, Gloria, on Oct 16, 1948 and to raise his “two wonderful daughters”. Vern lived there for 38 years. He began his life-long career as a radio operator with NW Orient Airlines and then ARINC (Aeronautical Radio) (Seattle and San Francisco) where he worked until retirement in September 1982. His fine woodworking skills were put to use building his own home in Bellingham, WA in 1982. Vern was an avid gardener (Whatcom Co. Master Gardener), mushroomer (Whatcom Co. Mycological Society), and community volunteer (Bellingham Elks BPOE 194, VFW). He loved fishing for steelhead, woodcarving, photography, stamp collecting, and playing chess with friends around the world. He loved to travel and with Gloria he saw much of the world. His favorite moments were with his family and that is how he passed, at home, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his beloved wife Gloria, daughters Melanie (Howard) Bade, Vicki (Tom) Farnell, grandchildren Kyndra Bade, Erik Bade and Emma Farnell, great-grandson Cullen Horne, sister, Leona Meyer (TX), nephew Rev. William Meyer (IL), niece Judy (Meyer)Richter (TX) and many loving family and friends. Vernon will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Cemetery in Kent, WA on Friday, Nov 8 at 1:00 pm. Remembrances may be made to BPOE 194 Tall Elks or to Whatcom Co. Hospice. A special thank you to Paula, Dianna, Tanya, Carol and Danielle for their loving care.