Vernon Clifton Canfield

passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at his residence on Bainbridge Island. He was 85 years of age.Born on May 2, 1929 and raised in upstate New York,Vern was the oldest of four siblings. Although he spent most of his youth focusing on his chores on the farm, "Sonny" did find time to cause some trouble in the small town of Northville. Although his pranks were tame by today's standards, he and the town constable were on a first name basis.He joined the US Army in 1948 and spent four years in Germany. His active duty in the army ended in 1954 but he continued to serve the country in the reserves. He graduated Officers Training and ended his career in 1968 as a Major.While stationed at Fort Lewis, Vern met his soul mate Joan. They married in 1954 And started their 60 yr journey.Vern began his banking career with National Bank of Washington as a teller. The newlyweds bought their first home in Auburn where Vern was actively involved with the Auburn Jaycees, and Chamber of Commerce. They started their family with the arrival of three children.They then moved to Tacoma where Vern's banking career began to blossom. Vern continued to be active in the Elks, Lions, and Eagles. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, fast pitch softball, and coaching little league.In the mid 60's he and three good friends purchased 80 acres in the Bald Hills in Thurston county. Weekends were spent with the families at the 8T and the memories are too numerous to list. There were always new adventures for Vern and a backhoe and bulldozer were one of his new found experiences.The family moved to Bainbridge Island in 1973. The bulldozer and backhoe accompanied the move. During the week, he commuted to Seattle wearing his three piece suits and starched shirts, after work and on the weekends it was blue jeans, flannel shirt, suspenders, boots and tin hat. He was comfortable and confident in his executive position with the bank but always approached his challenges with a blue collar mentality.He retired from the bank in 1991 as a Senior Vice President but he was nowhere close to slowing down. He fired up the bulldozer, put on his tool belt and working together with the family, built new homes for his three children and a second home for him and Joan on Hood Canal. His final home was a collaborative effort with children and grand children all assisting. He was very proud of his family and resided in this home until his passing.Vern loved to golf and was an active as a member of Wing Point. At no time was he ever close to mastering the game but he enjoyed the camaraderie of his many friends at the club. He hosted some memorable golf tournaments at his home course Sleepy Hollow and had a great time sharing this with his friends from the club.Their yearly winter sabbatical to Mexico was a big part of his life. Though his Spanish was extremely limited, Vern had an outgoing personality and the ability to communicate with anyone. He made some real friends with the locals and loved the country and people.If you asked him what his finest accomplishment was in life, it would be without a doubt his family. He did so much for them and they enjoyed every minute of their times together. He will be missed.Vern is survived by his wife of 60 yrs Joan Canfield, brothers Fran and Dud-New York, children Cliff/Mary Lu,Cheri, Cindy/Greg- BI, grandchildren Melissa, Benjamin, Jessica, Daniel, Kelsie, and Anna; great grandchildren Cylie, Ailey, Ayna, and Mason.Vern's life will be celebrated at Wing Point Country Club on July 26, 2014 from 2:00pm - 5:00 pm. Remembrances can be made to the charity of choice.