Vernon E. “Vern” Berg, 80, a 70 year resident of Westport, passed away surrounded by family at Providence St. Peter Hospital, Olympia, Friday, Nov. 10, 2017. He was born to Vernon and Marie (Richie) Berg in Vancouver, Wash., Jan. 19, 1937. He came to Westport with his family when he was 10.

Vern attended Ocosta School District until his senior year when Ocosta’s school burned down. He graduated from Weatherwax High School of Aberdeen in 1955 and then served in the U.S. Navy. Following the service he was a manager of the Fisherman’s Co-Op in Neah Bay. Later he returned to Westport where he purchased his boat, “Evening” and was a commercial fisherman until he retired in 1996.

He was a “master of all trades” and would figure things out and fix them. He was also an accomplished carpenter and had built three of the family homes. Vern always loved attending all of his grandchildren’s activities. He could be seen making his daily rounds around Westport checking on and harassing his friends.

Vern married Leta Jo Harrow in Westport on Jan. 7, 1961. She survives at the family home at Westport. He is also survived by three daughters: Celeste Berg, Westport, Wash., Celeta Brown, Renton, Wash. and Verna and husband Ron Tucker Jr., Tokeland, Wash.; seven grandchildren: Adam and Alexis Berg, Sheldon and Jamie Brown, and Tyler and Dylan Tucker; and also four great-grandchildren: Hailee Zerby, Madeline and Noel Cuzdey and Juniper Berg. There are also numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Vernon and Marie Berg, his sister Charleen Harrison and a grandson Keaton Brown.

A Celebration of Vern’s Life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at McCausland Hall, Westport, Wash., next to the Maritime Museum.

The family suggests memorials may be made to Vern’s favorite charity, the St. Jude Research Hospital.