Vernon Dean Elam

Vernon Dean Elam passed away after a long illness on Jan. 17 in Mesa, Ariz., where he and his wife Joan resided during winters for many years.

Vernon was born in Whitefish on April 28,1928 to Grace and Henry Polk Elam. He graduated from Whitefish High School and went to refrigeration school.

He later was a conductor on the Great Northern Railroad for 42 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Richard and Jerry; sisters, Betty Truman and Pat Christensen; his daughter, Meritt; and son, Jay.

He is survived by his wife, Joan, of 55 years; his sons, Tracy, and Mike and wife Kerry; sister, Judy Holien Beacher; his grandchildren, Dane Kittock, Caleb Kittock, Hannah Kittock, Chis, Eric, Kiera, Gabe, Milissa and Devon; and great-grandchildren, Nixyn Elam and Jameson Bury. He had many nieces and nephews and lots of friends. He also leaves being his sweet doggie, BB.

Vernon loved golf, hunting, camping, fishing, rockhounding and all sports; auto racing was his favorite sport to watch.

He was a member of the Whitefish Moose Lodge.

Vernon was cremated at Mountain View Mortuary and a memorial will be announced later by the family.