VERNON JOHN MAXWELL MINIELY

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Vernon Miniely on Sept. 21, 2006 at the Lady Minto Hospital in Cochrane, Ont. due to complications from heart surgery.
A chapel service was held Sept. 30, 2006 in Cochrane, officiated by Rev. Judith Visser of the United Church. Also attending were family, many friends, and special extended family.
A graveside gathering and interment then was held Oct. 2, 2006 at the Riverside Cemetery in Thunder Bay, Ont., attended by close family members only.
While Vernon was only 72 years old, he lived a full and happy life.
He was predeceased by his devoted parents, Matilda and Everett Miniely.
He will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife, Mary; stepdaughter, Ronda Guthrie of Toronto, Ont.; stepson, George (Annette) Froy of Edmonton, Alta.; and sadly missed by his step-grandchildren, Christopher, Stephan, and Jacqueline.
Vernon also will be dearly missed by his loving and treasured sisters, Muriel Alexander of Stratton, Ont., and Jean Usiski and Greta Asselin, both of Atikokan, Ont.; and brothers, Marvin (Gerry) Miniely of Ignace, Ont. and Wesley (Ella) Miniely of Thunder Bay, Ont.
He also is survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces.
Vernon was born at home in Pinewood, Ont. on July 4, 1934, and he attended school in Rainy River, Ont.
Vernon went on to become a heavy duty mechanic, mostly working on mining equipment, which took him to Grand Rapids in northern Manitoba, the Steep Rock Mine in Atikokan, Umex Mines in Pickle Lake, and then to Detour Lake Mines in Cochrane.
Even though he was committed to his work, he found time to enjoy fishing, hunting, and playing hockey, but his most passionate pastime was to listen and create music for others to find pleasure in.
Vernon’s joy for life and sense of humour made him a very special person to know. He had a quiet, shy way of looking at life that made people trust and respect him.
He would see how the world had hurt people, then help those lost souls find their way back to a better life.
During Vernon’s life he was a friend, mentor, teacher, listener, hero, and soulmate to those who needed him. All will deeply miss his quiet gentle ways.
A “memory tree” was planted in Vernon’s name in Memory Woods.
If anyone wishes to further remember Vernon, please do so with a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.