Cecil L. (Vern) Coverdale passed away on October 23, 2012, after a sudden illness. Born October 8, 1937, to Cecil J. and Estella E. Coverdale in Dayton, Washington. Vern grew up on a farm enjoying hunting, fishing and sports. He was the starting point guard on the school’s state basketball team in 1955, graduating in 1956. That same year, he married his classmate since 3rd grade and sweetheart since 11th grade, Peggy Kayser.
Vern went to work at the farm shop for Green Giant Company in Dayton and then in 1968, moved his young family of five to Westport to join his father at Westport Marine diesel service. Vern was a respected mechanic working on commercial and charter boats, as well as logging equipment throughout Western Washington. He possessed an uncanny ability to analyze engine problems and make the needed repairs efficiently and effectively, which resulted in a number of requested trips to Alaska for boat owners wanting repairs done right the first time.