Vern Purser

Our loving Dad and Grandpa, Vern Gene Purser, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the age of 89. He was born on November 19, 1935, in Logan, Utah, the fourth child of Melvin and Lila Purser.

Vern spent most of his life in Hyde Park, except for a few years when his parents owned a farm in Idaho. There he learned the value of hard work. The Purser family later returned to Cache Valley, where they lived for two years in Nibley before settling back in Hyde Park.

In his youth, Vern worked for many farmers, hauling hay, thinning and topping beets, and picking potatoes. After high school, he worked for Bundy Motors, Jack’s Tire and Oil, and Marquaardt Aircraft for sixteen years. He retired from his career at Thiokol Chemical Corp in 1997.

He attended South Cache High School and graduated in May 1953. During this time, he met Patricia Anderson, and they were married in the Logan LDS Temple on October 14, 1954. They first made their home in Logan and later built a house in Hyde Park, where they lived for sixty four years. Vern was known for his strong work ethic in all aspects of life, from employment to providing for his family and tending his well-known garden. He was especially known for his famous homemade salsa, which he gave to family and friends.

He loved to golf and was a member of the Birch Creek Men’s Association, where he spent many years golfing with friends and co-workers. He also enjoyed deer hunting and roaming the beautiful Logan canyons.

His greatest accomplishment was being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He and Pat have four children: Kelly (Shauna) Purser, Nancy (Bubba) Smith, Lisa (Ed) Fisher, and Mitch (Natalie) Purser. He also has thirteen grandchildren and thirty-four great-grandchildren, all of whom will cherish memories of Christmas Eve and Sunday dinners at Grandma and Grandpa Purser’s home. They also hosted a special Christmas Day party for family, extended family, friends, and anyone who needed a place to spend the holiday— creating special memories for all. Vern’s cooking skills were unmatched, from his famous roast beef sandwiches to his rice pudding, which has yet to be perfectly recreated.

After retirement, Vern and Pat spent twenty-five years wintering in Yuma, Arizona, where he continued to golf, enjoy picnics, and explore the beautiful area. He was an avid Utah Jazz fan —even through the recent dark years.

Vern was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and Pat volunteered for years at the Logan Tabernacle and served many people throughout Hyde Park, including those in need through Meals on Wheels, where they made many friends.

He is survived by his sister, Dorothy Seamons; brothers, Garth (Sheila) Purser and Mike (Judy) Purser; and sisters-in-law, Myrna Knowles and Faye Anderson.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lila and Melvin; siblings, Donald and Patsy; wife, Pat; and great-granddaughter, Berlyn Smith (daughter of Zach and Jamie Smith).

“I used to say I lost my dad - but I don’t say that anymore, I didn’t lose him. I know exactly where he is. I didn’t tell him goodbye, I told him, See you soon.”

We would like to thank the staff at Birch Creek for the amazing care, kindness, and love they showed to Dad. We would also want to thank Erin from Sunshine Terrace Hospice, who went above and beyond in her care for Dad. He truly loved her, and our family cannot express how much we appreciate all the special care and time she spent with Dad. We love you, Erin!

Funeral services and viewing will be held Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at the Hyde Park LDS Church, located at 480 North 100 West.

The viewing will begin at 9:30 AM and continue until 10:45 AM. The funeral will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at Hyde Park Cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com