Vernon Friend

Born May 22nd 1933 and died on August 20, 2021, at age 88 years old. His parents were Lucy and George Friend from Barton, Vermont. He had five siblings: Brothers: Rodney, Marvin, and Danny, Terry and Sister: Georgia.

His family moved to Tupper Lake in his teen years. He then enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War as an air craft mechanic and did a tour in England. He returned to Tupper Lake and married Sandra Sutter December 15th 1956. Together they had five children. He worked at the Seaway Construction Project in St. Lawrence, Tahawus Mines in Newcomb, and was the Head Fleet Mechanic at Madden's Transfer and Storage in Saranac Lake, then started his own business Vern's Auto and Truck Repair specializing in working on Volkswagens in Tupper Lake until he retired at age 73. Hobbies included: hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and gatherings at his hunting camp with his family and grandchildren. He was a member of the Mt. Arab Masonic Lodge #847 for over 50 years and also a member of the Media Temple Motor Patrol for the Shriners.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Friend, Sister, Georgia Christiano of VT. Daughters: Linda (Steve) Hilbert of Saranac Lake, Darlene (Steve) Coffey of Seattle WA, Sons: Ross (Lori) Friend and Todd (Becky) Friend of Tupper Lake. Seven Grandchildren and Five Great Grandchildren. Many nieces and nephews. He was a loving and caring Father and Grandfather and will be deeply missed by his family.

On August 26th a private family burial service was held at St. Alphonsus Cemetery in Tupper Lake, NY. Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home.