It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Vernon Thomas Inglis. Vern passed away peacefully at the SBG Health Centre in Walkerton on May 14, 2024, with his family at his side.
Vern is survived by his loving wife Anne of 60 years. Proud father of Kevin (Michele) and Mike (Angel). Papa to Kurtis (Nicole), Alyssa (Scott), Eric and Austin (Cassondra).
Vern is survived by his brother Jim (Gail), sister in-law Brenda Goldhawk, and brother in-law Ted (Juli) Goldhawk, and nieces and nephews. Vern was preceded in death by his parents James and Vera (Miller) Inglis, his brother in-law Dwane (Jake) Goldhawk, and sister in-law Jean Goldhawk.
One of the highlights of Vern’s full life and proudest accomplishments occurred in his career in the Farm Mutual Insurance industry. After early success in the financial sector, Vern joined the Formosa Mutual Insurance Company as the Assistant Manager in 1970. At the same time, he also operated the Kuntz & Inglis Insurance Agency Limited as the Owner/Broker until 1981. He was promoted to Corporate General Manager, Corporate Secretary and Corporate Treasurer of Formosa Mutual Insurance Company until 1995. He also served on the Ontario Mutual Insurance Association from 1973 to 1980, including a term as Chairman of the Board in 1978-1979. During this time, he was one of the founding trustees of the Ontario Mutual Pension Fund. Starting in 1981, Vern was a Board Member, Executive Committee Member, Committee Chair and subsequently, Chairman of the Board of the National Association of Mutual Insurance Company (NAMIC), Indianapolis, Indiana (1987-88). Vern was the first and only Canadian to date to have the opportunity to be Chairman of this international insurance organization. And yet, he wasn’t done. From 1983 to 1994 Vern was a Board Member, Chair of various committees and Chairman of the Board (1992-93) of the Farm Mutual Reinsurance Plan Inc. Near the end of his insurance career, Vern also served on the Ontario Mutual Financial Review Committee (FRC). During these several years of service, Vern was recognized for his contributions with many insurance industry awards including the NAMIC Presidential Award (1989), the Ontario Mutual Insurance Association Presidential Award (1991) and the NAMIC Chairman’s Award (1992).
Vern was as committed to local initiatives as he was his professional pursuits. One passion was for the County of Bruce General Hospital in Walkerton. From 1984 to 1998 Vern was a member of the Board of Governors and was Chairman of the Board from 1992 to 1994. From 1995 to 1998, Vern was the founding Chairman of the Board of the Walkerton Hospital Foundation. He was also a member of the Board Designate of the four local hospitals amalgamation from 1996 to 1998. Besides his hospital involvement, Vern served as a Director and President of the Formosa Recreation Committee, Director and Chairman of the Formosa Community Centre, member and President of the Formosa Lions Club, Chairman of the 1980 Formosa Old Boys Reunion, Director and Chairman of the Carrick Recreation Committee, Member of the Building Committee of the Mildmay Carrick Recreation Complex, Treasurer of Bruce County 1976 International Plowing Match and Chairman of the 1993 Bruce County International Plowing Match Banquet Committee.
Above all, Vern was a devoted husband, Dad, Papa, and friend. Anne was the love of Vern’s life. They travelled to many conventions and meetings across North America and Europe. His two sons, Kevin and Mike and their families were his pride and joy. Vern was especially proud to be called “Papa” by his four grandchildren. They brought him so much joy, as he happily followed them to sports games, and cheered them on. Vern loved every minute surrounded by his loved ones, always quick to share a story or joke. He was proud of each one of them and reminded them of that after every visit. Vern actively kept in touch with many friends, colleagues, and relatives, always famously calling on their birthdays.
Friends and relatives were invited to visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Cameron’s in Walkerton. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Church, Formosa. Fr. Emmanuel Azike officiating. Reception followed at Formosa Community Centre.
Private family interment was in Gorrie Public Cemetery.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to Walkerton & District Hospital Foundation or Saugeen Hospice would be appreciated by the family. Donations and condolences may be made online at www.cameronfuneralhomes.com
