Skip to content

Vernan Clarance Ophus

Born May 2, 1936 in Sexsmith, AB

Died Sept. 14, 2012 in Hazelton, B.C.

Vern was a true “jack of all trades” and enjoyed taking on all types of fix-em-up projects, most of which ended up with blue and black paint, his favorite combination of colors! He was a trucker and machine operator, he loved driving truck, the grader was his favorite machine , in the bush or on the highway. He worked from Vanderhoof, Fort Fraser, Houston, up to the Terrace area. He had a huge passion for the out doors and nicknamed himself a “bush rat”. A true cowboy - Vern loved his horses, pigs, livestock, knives, guns, rodeo and stood proud of his Norwegian and Cree heritage.

The past 5 years held many changes for Vern. He met Wendy and set up a hobby farm in Two Mile. His passion was hunting , camping, ATV trail riding, and mushroom picking, with his doll. The last years of his life was filled with love and companionship.

Though his short illness, Vern kept a smile on his face and always had a positive outlook on the situation. He touched the lives of all he came into contact with and always had a ready grin and tale to tell.

There are few roads in the province that Vern had not traveled . . . “he’d been everywhere”.

Vern was predeceased by his father Edgar, mother Claire, and his brother Donald (Vivian) and his survived by his beautiful Doll (Wendy) Herman, his brothers Thor (Viola), Tom (Sharron), Larry, Edgar, Robert (Mary), and sisters Irene (Russ), Edra (Jim), Brenda, Michelle and Lynda. Vern leaves behind his sons Stuart (Kelly), Shane (Sherry), and daughters Roxanne (Gary) and Susan (Rick), grandsons Vinny, Brandon and granddaughter Tasha (Glen) and great-grandson Brock, as well as many nephews, nieces, cousins and many dear friends.



Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.