Vernon "Vern" Henry Vandyke

Vernon "Vern" VanDyke, 86, a longtime resident of the Gaston community currently of Forest Grove, Passed away on November 2, 2018 at his home.
Vern was born on January 14, 1932 on the family farm in Gaston, OR. He was one of six children born to Joseph and Theresa (Cop) VanDyke. He was raised on the family farm and attended Forest Grove High School graduating with the Class of 1950.
Vern served his country in the US Army and spent two years at the Army's convenience in Austria. He was honorably discharged as a private 1st Class in 1955.
He met his wife, Evelyn Hulit, and they married in 1955 in Hillsboro. They made their home on the family farm in Gaston. They had four children; Mike, Loyce, Duane and Sharon. they later divorced in 1976. He met Doreen "Dodie" (Harrison) Scott, they married on October 31, 1977 in Vancouver, WA. The two lived in and around Gaston until recently when they moved to Forest Grove.
Vern was a farmer a truck driver and a tavern owner. He farmed on the family farm and also helped his son making hay and raising crops. He was also a long haul truck driver for well over 30 years. Dodie and Vern were also longtime owners of "The Cricket Tavern" in Gaston. He enjoyed reading westerns and watching them on TV. He was an avid fisherman, fishing in his favorite holes at Hagg Lake, Vern also hunted elk with his family. He enjoyed Draft horses was always up for as road trip. Because of his white beard Vern enjoyed playing Santa Claus to communities throughout western Washington county.
He is preceded in death by his parents and two siblings; Beverley Meeuwsen and Betty Miewes
He is survived by his loving wife; Dodie, six children and their spouses; Mike and Diane VanDyke of Hillsboro, Loyce and Bill Ganger of Hillsboro, Duane and Diane VanDyke of Yamhill, Sharon and James Harper of Fallon, NV, Brenda and Mike Lais of Aloha, Kevin and Andrea Scott of Carlton,  three siblings; Alvin VanDyke, Janice Matias and John VanDyke. Also surviving are nineteen grandchildren and twenty two great grandchildren.
In lieu of flower the family suggest donations to Gaston Fire and Rescue