It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Vernon (Jock) Connelly on Thursday, July 29th, 2021.

Vernon was born on December 17, 1923 in Ambleside, Cumbria, England. He grew up in one of the most picturesque parts of England and he knew every square inch of all the fells and lakes. As a young boy he entered many fell races but he never did very well as he always stopped to check out the flowers and as we all know he has loved and respected nature his whole life.

Vernon joined the RAF in 1942 at the age of 18 and was a navigator/bomber-aimer in a Mosquito aircraft during the war. Dad met our Mom, Edna, who was also in the RAF and they were married on September 22, 1945. They went on to have two children, Eileen and Barrie. After the war Dad became a machinist and steam engineer and in 1957 we moved to Canada. First to Moose Jaw, Saskatoon and then Red Deer in 1967. Dad retired in June, 1979 and has enjoyed a long retirement filled with activities and adventures.
Dad had an unconditional love for all animals and because of his love of birds he received the Alberta Ellis Bird Farm “Blue Feather Award” in 2017 for his contribution to the preservation of the Mountain Bluebird. Dad was so very happy for over thirty years on his farm near Alix, Alberta with all his animals and all his great friends and
neighbor’s.
Vernon was an avid book lover and had several book cases full of books on every topic. He loved music of all kinds but especially classical music. Dad was gifted with a beautiful singing voice.

Vernon was predeceased by his beloved wife, Edna in 1984 and also by his parents, three siblings and by his dearest Granny. He is survived by his daughter Eileen (Daryl) Stone and by his son Barrie (Doreen) Connelly. Granddaughter’s Kathleen Stone (Barry Lieffers) and Jenn Stone. Grandson Christopher Connelly. Great Grandchildren Jessie, Dan and Max and many more relatives and friends in England and many friends in Canada.

Many thanks to all the great staff at Heritage House in Stettler for the loving care you gave Vernon.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Alberta SPCA or Red Cross as those were Vern’s wishes.

The funeral will be held at the Eventide Funeral Chapel on August 10, 2021 at 1 pm with interment at Alto Reste Cemetery, Red Deer.

• Date : 2021-07-29
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home