Robert Alan Vernon

The dictionary defines a Samaritan as "a person who voluntarily offers help or sympathy in times of trouble." Robert Vernon was a true Samaritan. From childhood to his passing, Robert was always helping others - even those he didn't know. Whether it was a place to stay, a warm meal, or a few dollars to tide the person over, Robert gave freely and willingly, never asking for anything in return. Every day of his life was a testament to his Christian commitment.

The 1950's saw the end of World War II and the first beginnings of the "Cold War". Both the United States and Russia had launched satellites into space, and bomb shelter plans, like the government pamphlet You Can Survive became widely available. Thousands of servicemen returned to America to pick up their lives and start new families in new homes with new jobs. Growth was everywhere, but the biggest was the "baby boom". Jack and Mildred (Westveer) Vernon lived in Grandville, a suburb of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and were experiencing their own baby boom. On February 8, 1958, they welcomed a son, Robert, to their growing family. Robert was the sixth of ten children born to Jack and Mildred and the Vernon home was filled with the many sounds of a large and happy family.

Robert spent his growing up years in Grandville, attending Central Elementary School and then Grandville Middle School. While a student at Grandville High School, Robert became friends with a pretty girl named Deanna Lynn Slovinski. Deanna was a family acquaintance and by the 11th grade, the two young lovebirds decided to get married. The year was 1975, and although Robert was just a junior in high school, he knew and accepted his responsibilities as a married man and left school to get a job to support his new wife.

Robert used his skills in a variety of jobs, for a while at Aquinas College, and at other factory or production jobs. He was a hard worker and very dependable and responsible. Robert had never gotten a driver's license, and always walked to and from work every day. No matter the weather, or the fact that he suffered frostbite in his feet one bitter cold winter, Robert "walked the walk" every day. Robert and Deanna eventually moved to an apartment on Fuller Street and started a family of their own. Robert felt blessed with the births of his three children. But by 1983 Robert and Deanna had drifted apart and although they eventually divorced, Robert never lost his devotion to his children. There was never a question in his mind about supporting his kids. Robert worked especially hard to make sure that the support payments were always on time. He made it a point to be involved in all of their lives, and had an especially close relationship with his son, calling him every day just to chat and say "hi". Robert later moved to Cedar Springs so that his son would be close by.

Robert had been raised a Catholic as a child and made the fundamentals of Christian living a part of his life. As time went on, he became a member of the Resurrection Life Church and continued to live out his Christian commitment. The pages of his Bible showed the signs of loving wear, as each day started with Robert reading and meditating on a special Bible verse that he felt spoke to him that day. However, his Christian commitment was not just for Sundays. He lived the way of the Lord every day. Two mottos described it all - "What is mine is yours, and if you need it, take it." And "I ain't got much, but what I have you are welcome to it." Robert knew there were others less fortunate than he and did his best to share his blessings with them. He was known to house, feed and clothe homeless people, opening his own home, at no charge, for as long as it took to get each individual back on their feet. This Good Samaritan was a true missionary to those in need.

Robert was also a strong willed person with a mind of his own and ready and willing to share his thoughts with any one. He loved to debate ANY subject, usually just for the joy of debating. He would acknowledge that there were two sides to every issue, but also suggest that his side was probably the right one.

The outdoors had a special hold on Robert. He loved to go fishing, and any place where he could drop a hook into the water, and have a little peace, was a good spot indeed. He also liked to garden, with a special affinity for plants and flowers. When warm weather approached, the new plants would go into the ground. Then, as the weather changed, he would transplant each one and move them inside where he tenderly took care of them through the winter. By his own admission, Robert was not necessarily a good gardener, he just loved the activity and seeing the plants grow and blossom.

Robert Vernon lived his life in the service of others. As his flowers bloomed where they were planted, so did Robert. His life - God's special garden - brought joy and happiness to many people. He will be remembered as a person with a heart of gold, and a loving father, beloved brother and uncle.

Mr. Robert A. Vernon aged 46 of Cedar Springs passed away Saturday, January 28, 2006. He was preceded in death by his father Jack Vernon, his mother Mildred Vernon, and his brother John Vernon. Surviving are his children: Denise M. and Randy Vernon, Debby L. Lamance, David and Sarah Vernon, his 5 grandchildren: Christopher Vernon, Justice Lamance, Lala Lamance, Mason Vernon, and Trinity Vernon, his brothers, sisters and spouses: Connie and Bob Van Elst, Jackie and Ron Cash, Kathy Vernon, Don Vernon, Mike and Phyllis Vernon, Sandy and Larry Rowan, Rosie and Terry VandenToorn, Pam and Jim Beach, Steve and Kim Vernon and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van't Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard St. N.W. Interment will be in Washington Park Memorial Gardens. Robert reposes at the funeral chapel where relatives and friends may meet with the family on Tuesday from 7-9 P.M. and on Wednesday for one hour prior to the service Please visit Robert's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or sign the on line register book.