Vernon L. Pease passed away on June 7, 2021, at the Sussman House in Rockport. 

He was the son of Alton and Nellie (Meservey) Pease and was born in Peasetown, in North Hope, on September 1, 1928.  

Vernon grew up and lived on the banks of the Georges River in Appleton. He supported his family by cutting wood and working at a local boatyard and chain saw shop. Vernon had a connection to the land and was proud to be a farmer in Union, Massachusetts, and then Hope and Appleton. He produced milk, meat, hay, vegetables, and blueberries and his wife and children were by his side to help weed, pick ripe vegetables or blueberries or do chores.  

Vernon had a love for music and bought his first guitar for $15 from Sears Roebuck when he was 10 years old. When it arrived in the mailbox, he suffered the wrath of his mother for having spent so much money. As a young man, he played and sang at local dances. Many family sing-a-longs were enjoyed with his siblings Jeanne playing piano and Dicky on the guitar. In his later years, Vernon enjoyed traveling around the state to as many country music dances as he could.  

Over the years, Vernon became well known for his ability to fix anything mechanical.  Many sought him out for his knack with troublesome lawn mowers and chain saws.  He eventually opened his own small engine repair shop in Appleton. For a time, his son Glenn worked alongside him.  He also took on his grandsons, Andrew and Zeb to teach them the basics of repairing equipment and being handy which helped lead them to their adult pursuits in engineering.  

Vernon was self-sufficient, resourceful, and generous. He produced most of the food his family needed. If he had extra vegetables, he would give them to you — if you were willing to pick them! He looked forward to going to local fairs—especially Union and Windsor to check out the livestock.  Deborah or Maureen was always happy to tag along. He was active in town activities and kept a keen eye on the budget. He discovered he had a talent as a dowser and many times accurately estimated the location and depth of a water vein for many people in the area.  

He is survived by siblings, Lawrence, Dicky, Jeanne, and Anita; his children, Scott and wife Catherine, Deborah, and Glenn; grandchildren, Maureen and husband Dave, Andrew and wife Katie, and Zebediah “Zeb”; and great-granddaughter, Eloise. 

He will be fondly remembered by many cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

He was predeceased by Norma, his wife of more than 50 years; as well as a special friend, Rita Currier. Vernon was also predeceased by siblings, Dot, Allan, Bobby, June, and Nancy. 

In the last few years of his life, Vernon and Loyce Trott shared love and fun on the dance floor and beyond for which the family is most grateful.

In keeping with Vernon’s wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a contribution in Vernon’s memory to the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org or the Maine Academy of Country Music, P. O. Box 2423, Augusta, Maine 04338, macmhome.org

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com