Vern Eskridge, 74

Vern Eskridge, 74, passed away in Sandpoint on Saturday, July 3, 2010.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 10, at the Sandpoint Christian Center, 1925 N Boyer with Pastors Joe Gibbs and  Wesley Ribeiro officiating.

Visitation hours will be from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday in Coffelt's Funeral Chapel. 

Vern was born in Moravia, Idaho, on Aug. 23, 1935, the son of James H and Lillian (Perry) Eskridge. He grew up in Dover, attending Bonner County Schools, graduating from Sandpoint High School in 1953. He served with the U.S. Navy from 1955 until 1959 as an aircraft electrician assigned to a helicopter anti-submarine squadron.

He worked briefly as a plumber and an electrician prior to his career with the U.S. Forest Service as a civil engineering technician. He retired in 1991 after 33 years of service.

Following his retirement, he volunteered at the Bonner County Historical Society and Museum and was awarded the Outstanding Volunteer Service award from the Bonner County Historical Society in 2002 and the Community Star award in 2006. In addition, Vern served his community as a Sea Scout Skipper, member of the Dutch Oven Society, the North Idaho Railroad Historical Society, and Bonner County Historical Society. He enjoyed family camping trips, Volksmarches, cooking, and historical research.

He is survived by his children, Laura (Mike) Foley, Mark (Theresa) Eskridge, Sandra Eskridge, and Michael (Pam) Eskridge; grandchildren, Brandy, Tom, Adrianna, Michele, Brittney, Jeffrey, Paige, Lucas, Ella, Isaiah, Josh, and Ryan; 10 great-grandchildren; a brother, George (Jenise) Eskridge; sisters, Susan Mack (Jim Thompson) and Linda (Joe) Gibbs; nieces and nephews and many who knew him as “Uncle Vern.”

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John and Jim Molt; a grandson, Jeff Foley; daughter-in-law, Monica Eskridge, and “Molly.”

He was dedicated to his children and extended family. His family describes him as a good man, good-natured, good hearted, a good cook, and “damn good looking.”

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Bonner County Museum, 611 S. Ella, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864.

A private internment will be held at a later date at Moravia Cemetery.

Family and friends are invited to sign Vern's online guestbook at www.coffeltfuneral.com

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.