Vern Ross Willey

Vern Ross Willey, 95, was born on December 30, 1919 in Isanti, Minnesota, passed away December 31, 2014. He resided in Long Beach, California, at the time of his passing. He lived a very full and good life for all of his 95 years. He was preceded in death by his parents W.W Willey and wife Florence, brothers Lyle and Clare, son Allan Ross Willey, and his loving wife of 62 years, Mary. He is survived by sons Keith Willey of Long Beach, California, Craig Willey and his wife Teresa, of Lake Elsinore, California; granddaughter Kristin and her wfie Michelle of Huntington Beach, California; grandsons Jonathan and Adam of California; Jeremy and wife Sakina ,great grandsons Jordan and Cole, of Sierra Vista, AZ; grandson Tom and great grandchildren Miley, Gray, and Gavin of Bakersfield, CA; grandson Brad Willey;grandson Mark Willey and granddaughter Shawn Tokudomi and great grandson Jeremy Tokudomi of California; daughter Donna Willey and granddaughter Lindsey Jones of San Tan Valley, AZ ; granddaughter Alison Miller and husband Cody of Denver, CO;daughter Joanne Di Muccio and husband Mike of Bellingham, WA; grandson Michael David of Bellingham, WA; granddaughter Laura Llanto and husband Alex of Renton, WA; great granddaughter Jessica Miller and great grandson Jason Miller of Washington; brothers Hugh Willey of Traverse City, MI; and Grant Willey of Medford Oregon.
Vern was raised in Minnesota and Iowa, coming to Northern California as a teen. He went to college at U.C. Berkeley, studied to be a C.P.A. It was there that he met his wife to be Mary Voight of Stockton, CA. They were married on July 13, 1941 Their first years were spent in Stockton, CA. Vern joined the Navy and served in Guam. After his discharge from the Navy they moved to El Sereno, CA. Then in 1952, their final move was to Long Beach, CA. where Vern resided until the time of his death. He had a good career with the U.S.P.S., 34 years to be exact. He started in Los Angeles at the Terminal Annex. During those years he worked the mail on the "Highway Post Office" (buses that went from Los Angeles to several cities throughout California). This was one of his favorite jobs. He ended his career there as a finance examiner. He then took on the position of manager and treasurer of the Long Beach Postal Credit Union, where he remained until age 82. He was highly regarded and loved by everyone. At one point some decisions he was responsible for earned himself and his wife an all expenses paid vacation to Hawaii; that was a tremendous highlight of their lives. After retiring, he cared lovingly for his wife Mary after she had a series of strokes. After her death in 2003, he was able to rest and undertake many of his interests. Vern was a talented piano player, loved music throughout his whole life. He played piano by ear and wrote a song or two. In later years, he joined in regular sing-alongs with his good friend Murray. His 2 favorite songs were " A Train" by Duke Ellington and "Misty". He loved to play cribbage with his friend Murray. Vern loved to bowl. He was on many leagues for years, carrying a 175 or better average in his best days. He bowled at Java Lanes, Red Fox Lanes and Cal Bowl in Long Beach. He was on 2 leagues or more even into his 90's. His #1 love had to be baseball. He loved the Los Angeles Dodgers. He and his friend Murray went to many games over the years. They went to Angels games as well, but the Dodgers were always his first pick.
Vern had a very happy life. His family was so important to him. He was always available to help in any way that he could. Many things would not have been possible without his most encouraging and loving help. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. He is in a better place now: free of any pain and able to enjoy all the things that await all of us one day.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Cypress, California.