Vern's Life

Vernon Thomas Rees passed away suddenly on the evening of August 17 at the age of 56 near his home and his love Corman Airpark near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada doing what he loved, flying. Vern was born in Edmonton, Alberta Canada on May 3, 1953 and moved to Saskatoon as a young child.

He was always an adventurous spirit, and from a young age he had trouble standing still. He loved skiing, sailing, warersking, canoeing, photography, and above all to fly. He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a B.Com in 1979.

In 1981, he received his private pilot's licence, in 1987 he became an Ultralight instructor and a test pilot for the Husky Norseman, and in 2007 he received his Desiganted Ultralight Pilot Examiner Certification. He spent 13 years as an areial photographer with west Country Photo. In 2003, the opportunity arose to purchase Corman Air Park and Vern and Sandra, with some other investors, purchased the property. Since then Vern had served as the central figure in revitalizing the air park, spending his time instructing, remanufacturing aircraft, and promoting flying. He was loved by his family, his students and his fellow pilots alike and he will be deeply missed.

Vern is survived by his wife Sandra Rees (nee Wanka) of 33 years; his children, Amber Rees (Jordan Yaworski), Cassandra Rees (Robert Miller), and Alina Rees (Mathieu Touchette); his grandson Bryn Yaworski; his parents Maxine and Thomas Rees; his siblings Heather Harbottle (Terry (deceased)), Kathy Rees (Peter), Cindy Rees (Patricia), Raymond Rees; his mother in-law Maria Revoy; his brother and sister in-laws Angelika and Brian Ouellette, Robert and Linda Wanka, and Dean and Mina Wanka; and many more nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles


Oh and by the way, Vern, if your reading this, from an old friend who loves you dearly;
Your still my incredible teacher that is with me every time I fly.
Thank You my friend and
Have a good flight.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Vern
• Rees
• Death
• Memorial
• Flying
• CormanAirpark
• CormanAirport
• Corman
• Airport
• Airpark
• Saskatoon
• Saskatchewan
• Sask
• Canada
• Flyer
• Teacher
• Father
• Instructor
• Owner
• Operator

[cormanairpark]

thank you Gerry you captured the music perfect to fit in with the pictures and I deeply appreciated your input in helping us show how wonderful Vern was and what he represented to all who know him especially his passion in flying.

Sandra

[akinoimages]

Thanks for the great video.

We have met Vern on our BushCaddy Voyagair 2009 trip. One of our Stop-Overs was Corman Airpark and Vern was helpful above and beyond what one could expect. From arranging float plane parking, to hauling gas, arranging Motel Rooms and finally the use of his truck to get there! He was a true blue Aviator and won't be forgotten!

Our sincerest Condolences to his Family and Friends!

Willy & Carolyn, Ten-ee-ah Aviation

100 Mile House, BC

[phyllisloewen]

Vern was one of a kind! What a legacy he has left for his family...

Our thoughts and prayers go to Sandra and the family... thanks for this video that shows us a part of Vern's life!

Ron & Phyllis Loewen

[ernie0603]

I met him only twice, however, can say he was a beautiful person. And I learned much more about his life from this wonderful clip.

[aKrees]

Thanks Gerry

Amber

[jclips99]

Thanks to all who put this together very nice.

Larry