Vernon Forest December 25, 1915 - December 7, 2010 SALEM - Vernon Gaylord Forest passed away peacefully in his home in Salem at the age of 94. Vern was doing his morning routine with his wife, Edna Mae Forest, on Tuesday morning, December 7, 2010 when his heart failed. Vern was born on Christmas Day in 1915 in Arkoma, Okla. to Eli and Dora (Wray) Forest. At the age of 14 Vern started working on cars and opened his own repair shop at 17. He moved to Oregon in the early 1950s to work in the shipyards. From there he returned to the automobile industry working as the service manager of several dealerships in Salem. Vernon earned many awards for his excellence in service and management. He retired in the late 1970s but continued to buy, sell and repair cars for the next 20 years. Many people knew Vern through his ministry of helping them find vehicles that were sound and of good value. Vern knew more about cars than your mother knows about cooking. Vern's greatest passion beyond cars was tennis. He played avidly until he was about 85 years old often with guys that were 20 years younger than him. Vern's additional hobbies included playing the guitar and harmonica, and keeping up his yard and garden. Vern loved the beach and could walk on his hands in the sand at the age most are contemplating retirement. Vern was a devoted father who was deeply proud of his children and grandchildren. Vern served in several churches throughout the years, was committed to his faith and was drawn to Billy Graham's ministry. "Amazing Grace" was his favorite hymn. Vern's sister, Ray Hamby, passed away in 2001. Vern is survived by children from his first marriage, Gay Vieceli, Sharon Marian, and Ron Forest; and his daughter from his marriage with Edna, Andrea Russell. Vern loved telling people that his 4 kids plus Edna's 4 equaled 7 between the two of them. Vern's step children are Bill Dallas, Debbie Tirrill, and Eddie Dallas. Vern had 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Gifts to Odyssey hospice are suggested to honor Vern's life. Ken, Tina and others at Odyssey provided Vern and his family with amazing care and support in the final month of his life. Odyssey Hospice 707 13th St. SE Suite 280, Salem OR, 97301. In memory of Vern's life a service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, December 11 at City View Funeral Home, 390 Hoyt S.

Published in Statesman Journal on December 10, 2010