Vernon Charles Tobeck

Vernon Charles Tobeck 1934 – 2013 The oldest of nine children, Vernon Charles Tobeck was born in Clayton, WA, on September 6, 1934 to John W. and Dorothy M. (Smith) Tobeck. Vern spent his final days at home, joining his loved ones in heaven on Monday, February 11, 2013. Vern passed from this life due to complications arising from a mid-brainstem stroke. Vern attended the Clayton Elementary and Deer Park High Schools. He was a strong, hard working man who loved life, his wife, family, friends, and his home. Vern enjoyed working outdoors, playing cards and cribbage, traveling throughout Europe, China, Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, and several of the lower 48 states. Vern loved going to and holding garage sales, and finding good buys at second hand stores. Vern held many jobs, some of which include the Clayton Brick Yard, Weyerhaeuser Pulp, Longbell Lumber and Longview Fiber Company. He also worked in cedar shingle and saw mills and rafted logs on the Columbia River. Vern's favorite job was hostling in and around the Olympia Brewery yard and driving truck for Puget Sound Truck Lines. He retired from Quality (Haney) Transportation and 30 years of driving the I-5 corridor in 1996. Vern was most proud of the many safe driving awards he received and particularly his "One Million Mile" safe driving award from the Washington State Trucking Association. Vern is survived by his wife of 35 years, Corinne (Olson) Tobeck; his daughter, Debi (Dean) Seymour; and sons, Steven (Cindy Jackson) Tobeck, Vern Tobeck, Tim (Tammy Bethel) Tobeck, and Donovan (Cindy Warner) Tobeck. He is survived by 12 grandchildren, Vernon Rumsey, Lisa Walsh, Jacob, Aaron, Steven, and Phillip Tobeck, SaraJean Hansen, Adam, Keith, Chelsie, and Rosalyn Tobeck, Tara Farmer; and 22 great grandchildren. Vern is also survived by his aunt, Mildred Duarte of Longview; and eight sisters and brothers: Marlene Watson, Joan (Floyd) Mitchell, Brenda (Jerry) Chase, Johnny (Barb) Tobeck, Roland (Bert) Tobeck, Ricky (Penny) Tobeck, Doreen (Alan) Nelson, and Ernie (Bonnie) Tobeck; special friends, Maryann Marsh, Karen Carpenter, Carl Balch, Siri Tobeck, and Theresa Farmer; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Vern was preceded in death by his grandparents, mother, father, and grandson, Joesph "Joey" Tobeck. Vern was a member of Teamsters Local 378, Sons of Norway, Tumwater Historical Association, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at South Sound Manor, 455 North Street SE, Tumwater. A celebration of Vern'slife will follow the service. Food, drinks and snacks will be provided. Vern's family invites you to bring your cards, cribbage boards and stories to help us celebrate the wonderful life of Vernon Charles Tobeck. In lieu of flower arrangements, please consider outdoor live plants or flowers for Vern's gardens, or make a memorial donation to the American Heart Association. Memories of Vern can be shared in the Guestbook below.