Vern Claude Serl passed away peacefully on November 5, 2016 at Innisfail Health Care Centre at the age of 92 years. Vern was born on April 19, 1924 in Bellingham, WA. He grew up in the Fraser Valley, Southern B.C. graduating from Oak Bay High School in Victoria in 1942. He served in the RCAF in England, where he met his future wife, Sheila Stewart. Vern attended Victoria College (Victoria), University of British Columbia (Vancouver), and then went to the University of Oregon (Eugene), graduating in 1959 with a PH.D. in Anthropology. His first position as an instructor took him home again to Bellingham. He would later moved to Dalhousie University, Halifax, and then to the University of Calgary. In 1985, he retired as Emeritus Professor of Anthropology. Vern and Sheila moved to their beautiful acreage west of Bowden in 1979. Vern enjoyed fishing, hunting, reading, wood working and country living. He is survived by his daughters Catherine (Tom) Wilson and Judith Serl. He is also survived and very proud of his beloved grandchildren Stephanie(Derek)Rankin, Noel(Carla)Wilson, Ryan(Holly)Wilson, Megan(Tim)Taylor, Tobi(Dave)Duckering, Rob(Carol)Hoskin. There are 16 great-grandchildren from these marriages, and until recently Vern remembered all their birthdays. Vern was predeceased by his beloved wife Sheila (2002). Graveside services were held at the Bowden Cemetery on Sunday, November 13, 2016. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Innisfail entrusted with arrangements. 403-227-0006. www.heartlandfuneralservices.com