Obituary of Vern Billington

Vern Billington was born on March 31, 1966, to Joan and Ron Billington. Raised in Boulder Creek, Vern graduated from San Lorenzo Valley High School with the class of 1984. He joined the United States Army in 1985 and served in Fort Hood, Texas and Wurzburg, Germany, as a Tracked Vehicle Mechanic and Recovery Specialist. After his service, he went to the College of Oceaneering where he specialized in underwater welding and inspection. Vern worked for Pan Marine Constructors, Inc. performing underwater construction and welding; Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute as a Dock Foreman and Crane Operator, where he was responsible for placement of research submarines; and most recently as a Ride Mechanic for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where he kept the rides safe for all to enjoy. To all those that knew him, he was a great man. But to some, he was even more - a: son, father, husband, brother, family member, friend, coworker, or a stranger who would lend a hand to anyone in need. He was kind and generous, loving and caring, strong and protective, and an inspiration to all of us. He was passionate about his beliefs, lived life the way he wanted, worked hard at everything, and never apologized for who he was. He loved our country and our military; he was a true patriot, a real American, and a hero to all that knew him. Every 49er's game, the white and red of the Giant Dipper, the History Channel, an elaborate knot, a Queensryche song, habanero salsa, the Indy 500, an overgrown zucchini, the American flag, a crane, an unfinished home project, Christmas lights in June… Every day, no matter where we go, we will be reminded of the man he was. Vern is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Gina; their daughter Cherina; step-daughter Shannin (& Jacob) Hunter; and step-son Joe (& Summer) Carmack; mother Joan Billington; sister Melissa (& Matt) Brown; grandchildren: Onyx, Carly, James, & Anna; niece, Cambria; and nephews Carrick & Cameron. Vern is preceded in death by his father and best friend, Ron Billington, and Vern's granddaughter, Julie. We are all better people for having Vern in our lives - his impact on us will never be forgotten. We will miss Vern every day for the rest of our lives, but he will live on in our hearts. A Celebration of Life for Vern will be held at the Boulder Creek Fire Department on Saturday, August 1st at 2 p.m. Everyone who knew Vern is invited to join us. In lieu of flowers, a family friend has set-up an account to honor Vern's wish for his daughter to finish college at www.gofund.me/zy2677q