Obituaries

Vern Overby, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and brother-in-law, passed away on May 8, 2025 at the age of 85. He was born on February 29, 1940 in Pine River, Manitoba. He was predeceased by his parents Carl and Antoinette Overby and his 4 siblings: Myrtle, Eleanor, Melvin and Lawrence.

Growing up in a close-knit family, he was surrounded by love. He told stories of many occasions with siblings, cousins and friends involving music, play, adventure and travel. He played the piano and took singing lessons. Faith played an important role in his upbringing. In his youth he was a Sunday School Teacher and later an active member of the United Church. He helped in the family garage business. His relentless curiosity also played a part in some childhood shenanigans.

In 1965 Vern married Rose Tycholas. Together they raised two daughters. Vern was a devoted husband and a loving father to Tara and Andrea. He cherished his family deeply and took great pride in being a guiding presence in his daughters’ lives. He channeled these strong beliefs and values, and through his quiet strength and support, he helped shape Tara and Andrea into thoughtful, principled individuals. Rose stood by his side with warmth and grace, creating a nurturing home where love, respect, and shared values were at the heart of everything.

Vern lived a life filled with kindness and community service.

Throughout his life, he wore many hats. Vern served as a school bus driver, a village councillor, a volunteer fire fighter and a driver’s education instructor. A dedicated volunteer, he was a proud member of the Lion’s Club, on the Board of Directors of the Pine River Credit Union and was a chairman of the Pine River United Church. He served in various capacities at community events over the years, playing an active role and contributing to anything he could.

Vern had a deep love for learning, driven by curiosity about many things. He enjoyed reading non-fiction, collecting and polishing rocks and had a particular fascination with history, especially World War II. Vern collected coins, enjoyed cutting the grass and spent many hours cooking in the kitchen. He appreciated the outdoors, trips to the lake, picking berries and long nature walks. He also had a love for singing, often filling his home and gatherings with music. In his later years, Vern found joy in word searches and playing Solitaire on his tablet. He loved playing Uno and kibitzing with his grandsons, Dale and Daniel. Despite his age, he adapted quickly to technology and used it to stay connected with his family through text messages, often using funny emojis.

His easygoing nature, sharp sense of humor, and genuine warmth made him a joy to be around and endeared him to many.

As a school bus driver in Pine River, he became part of nearly everyone’s childhood fabric. He is engrained in the memories of countless people. He witnessed their growth and change, their successes and challenges. Just by being a part of their daily lives, over the years, Vern lives on in the minds and hearts of so many people.

In his later years Vern was faced with some health issues. Despite this, he maintained patience, positivity and acceptance of these hurdles. He was strong willed, determined and grateful. He truly believed and upheld the “One Day at a Time” mindset.

Left to treasure his memory are his loving wife Rose, his daughters Tara (Cooper) and Andrea (Sunny) and his grandsons Dale and Daniel. Vern also will be missed by his sisters- in-law Verna (Melvin) Overby, Leona (Lawrence) Overby, Janet Robinson and brother-in-law Jason Robinson as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Special thanks are extended to all the staff at the Dialysis Unit at Seven Oaks Hospital. Your care and love for Vern is so greatly appreciated.

He may be gone, but the laughs, the memories, and the impact he had on others – all lives on.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Crestview United Church – 316 Hamilton Avenue, Winnipeg MB – on Saturday, May 24, 2025 – 10:30 am. Light lunch and refreshments will be served.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Seven Oaks General Hospital Foundation. Donations to the Dialysis Program may be made in person at SOGH, located at 2300 McPhillips Street, or online at https://soghfoundation.ca/ in memory of Vernon Overby.