ESTEVAN - Vern Buck is being remembered for his work ethic, his guidance of the credit union in Estevan and his love of the southeast region.
Vern died on March 13 at the age of 84.
He was the CEO of the Estevan Credit Union (and later Spectra Credit Union) for 32 years and spent 42 years in the credit union system. Vern worked in the financial sector before joining the credit union.
When Vern retired in 2004, a large crowd gathered to attend his retirement celebration and to pay tribute to his leadership.
The following year, Vern was presented with a Saskatchewan Co-operative Order of Merit Award.
In 2013, Affinity Credit Union named a meeting room at its Estevan branch after him. It came shortly after the amalgamation between Affinity and Spectra.
“Almost everywhere you look at Spectra Credit Union, you will see the lasting legacy of Vern Buck,” the credit union said at the time.
Throughout his 42-year career with the credit union, he sat on several boards, both provincially and nationally, and was asked to guest speak at international conferences.
After he retired, Vern and his daughter Laurel purchased A & A Jewellery, alongside his in-laws. Two years later, Vern’s brother became a partner. But Vern and Laurel Buck have been sole owners of the business for over a decade.
He could always be seen at the business, and Laurel noted he continued to do the books until the day of his death. Laurel believes it was a reflection of his work ethic that he always wanted to remain part of the business.
“He loved coming in and visiting with the staff and customers,” said Laurel. “He had a sharp mind for the books.”
Since his passing, many people have been expressing their condolences to Laurel and the family. People have been telling her about his character, what a gentleman he was, how great he was to work for and how much he meant to the community. Others shared stories of their encounters with him.
“I keep hearing ‘gentle’ and ‘gentleman’ and ‘kind’,” said Laurel.
She believes it reflects how many people came to love him over the years.
“He was my best friend, confidant, business partner and consultant, an easy-going travel companion and had a sense of humour. He had a good sense of humour. We travelled a lot. We enjoyed travelling a lot together.”
Vern and his wife Marlis loved to travel, and even after Marlis died in 2001, he and his daughter continued to see the world.
In the community, Vern was actively involved with Trinity Lutheran Church in Estevan, serving in many facets of the church. He co-chaired the Saskatchewan Summer Games when they were held for the first time in Estevan in 1980, was a strong supporter of Ducks Unlimited, often joined his daughter for Rotary Club of Estevan meetings.
Vern was part of the committee trying to bring a new regional nursing home to Estevan, and was the chairman of the Hearthstone Community Campaign that raised funds for the nursing home.
Vern was born in Regina in 1938. He lived for a short time south of Bromhead and then moved to a farm north of Torquay.
A funeral service was held on March 18 at Trinity Lutheran Church.
