Vernon age 9
Vernon Wayne Wray passed away Saturday, September 25, at his home in Arlington at the age of 85. He was born July 27, 1925 in Olympia WA to Claude and Della Triplett Wray. He is preceded in death by his parents and two older brothers.
Vernon 1988
Vernon worked in construction most of his life, including working on many bridges for the Interstate system across the mid-western states. He worked at the NEPA Lumber Co. Snohomish for 15 years until his recent retirement. He was also known as the Ice Man of Arlington, famous for his mid-winter swimming in the Stillaguamish River. As a young man Vernon always enjoyed a challenge and was undaunted by danger or public opinion. He swam across Puget Sound because someone said it couldn’t be done; leaving from Richmond Beach and landing in Kingston. The family lived near Chase Lake, known as the “bottomless lake”, and the children were warned to stay away. So, of course, that’s where young Vernon liked to swim. Another adventure was to cross the bridge at Deception Pass – from the under side! Hanging onto the girders he made his way across the 976-foot span; dangling 180 feet above the water! Then, at age 74, he took up parachuting.
1994
Vernon was also very active in the Bryant Community Church. He loved his Lord and spread that love to all who knew him; mentoring young people, encouraging everyone, helping wherever he could. Most of the children in the church call him “Grandpa”.
A special young lady in his life lives in Guatemala. Through Caring Partners in Ohio, he has supported Ingrid since she was in the third grade. She is now in her first year of college and adores her Grandpa Vernon who has made such a difference in her life. Many letters kept him informed of her activities, and she often asked his advice and counsel. He wrote long letters back to her. He had planned to continue with her support until she finished college.
2010
He never married and lived alone until the end. He is survived by his sisters: Jean Bates of Allyn; Bonnie Mott of Edmonds; and Marlene Arnót of Shoreline; and three generations of nieces and nephews. He will be sorely missed.
This handwritten note was found in Vernon’s effects: I don’t know what God’s plans for me may be, but I do pray continually that He will keep me as a tool He can use to enrich the spiritual well-being of others’ lives; and by His love and wisdom that every day — even if today is my very last day– that He would use me in His offering to others that someone along the way would call to Jesus for salvation, even as I did.
A memorial service will be held at the Bryant Community Church; Sunday Oct. 17, at 3:00 pm with Pastor Chuck Barnett officiating. (Church address: 26830 53rd Ave NE; Arlington 98223 — corner of Hwy 9 and Stanwood-Bryant Road. 360-435-8311)
Any donations for the continued support of Vernon’s girl, Ingrid, can be mailed to: Caring Partners International Inc; 601 Shotwell Dr.; Franklin OH 45005.
Please feel free to add a comment, or to share an anecdote from Vernon’s life.