Vernon Harvey Tenney December 11, 1932 - December 2, 2020

Vernon Harvey Tenney

Our Captain

We are who you were.

Vernon Harvey Tenney born December 11, 1932 was surrounded by his family as he passed through the veil to loving hands on the other side December 2, 2020.  Vernon was born in Mesa, Arizona and raised by strong and dedicated parents Ted and Ferneth (Johnson) Tenney.  He was one of four siblings including Ed, Louise (Lisonbee), and Ted Junior.  Humble circumstances and hardships of the 1930’s were described to us often without any sense of disappointment, regret or a feeling of “why me.”  In fact, Vernon often would say “We never knew we were so poor, my parents never told us we were, we just worked hard together and cared for one another.”

Those early challenges more than likely shaped Vernon’s outlook on life.  One of his most common used phrases was “Don’t get discouraged, it’s the tool of the Devil.”  Although there were continued challenges in his life, discouragement was not going to be a part of it.  His nickname in high school was “Bud.”  All would call Vernon “friend.”  He was the center on the offensive line and played basketball at Ashland High School,  Ashland Oregon, graduating in 1952. After being drafted into the Army, he continued to pursue is educational goals.  He was friendly to everyone no matter of their circumstances.  These characteristics matched up perfectly with another undergraduate student at Southern Oregon University so thought his good friends Garold and Norma Davis.  That other student, Elaine Mae Williams, would soon become his bride and eternal companion.  A match made in heaven- a high school superstar and a beautiful Iowan farm girl.  Movies are made of these things.

Vern and Elaine both obtained their teaching degrees with Vernon also pursuing his Master’s Degree from the University of California Berkeley.  Along the way they were blessed with five children- Michele (Crump), Trent, Todd, Paige (Field) and Chad.  Teaching, friendship and leadership were his best gifts and talents that Vernon’s Heavenly Father blessed him with.   These led him to take on roles as teacher, vice principal, principal in his professional life and when called upon spiritually he served in his church as Branch President in Bandon Oregon, Island of Samoa and among the Laotian community and also as Bishop in Porterville, California.  Vern and Elaine also served the Lord as missionaries in the Hawaii Honolulu Mission.

Vernon’s greatest joy in life was his family.  He recently said that his happiest time was when he was in his thirties and forties raising his family with his love Elaine.  Our father Vern and our mother Elaine taught by example how to love, serve, work, and how to laugh often, cry and mourn when needed.  Us children have often stated, “We have never seen mom and dad fight.”  Their love was tangible and anyone who knew them, knew they were in love. We often watched them over the years in awe, still trying to figure out the special formula of their immense connection.

Vern, our Dad, has led us from Oregon, California, Arizona, Back to California, Samoa, back to Porterville California and then Utah.  He led us by example, faith in God and His eternal plan for families.  He led by word, deed, hand holding and at times when needed a little pushing.  His strong belief in Jesus Christ as his Savior helped guide his every action.  Every night growing up we would see my father kneeling at his bedside in prayer.  Mom recently noted that in their couple’s prayer each night his prayers recently had become more detailed and beautiful.  Vernon Tenney was and always has been our Captain.  We, his children, are exactly what he was.  We are him.  He is our forever Patriarch.  And for that we are blessed.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Elaine Mae Williams and his 5 children- Michele (Jim Crump), Trent (Kelley Barlow), Todd (Nancy Slarks), Paige (Jim Field), and Chad (Sarah Maw) and his sister Louise Tenney Lisonbee,  22 grand children and 17 great-grandchildren.

Being mindful of current circumstances, we ask people to wear masks and social distance. Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints building at 220 South Woodland Hills Drive, Woodland Hills, Utah. The services will be on Tuesday, December 8 with a viewing at 10:00 a.m. and services to follow at 11:00 a.m. For those who would like to join the services via live stream, please click the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5WpK8v4LO5NlT-2-BPiLuQ