Borrego Sun - Since 1949

Verle passed away on Aug. 9 at his home in Ilwaco, Washington. He was born to Verne and Myrle (Moss) and he grew up on the family farm just west of Banks, Oregon. He attended Banks Schools, where he was active in the FFA and Letterman's clubs, playing football, basketball and baseball. He graduated in the class of 1950.

After high school, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard and as stationed in Coos Bay, Oregon. Verle returned to the Banks/Portland area after his service, and worked for Alpenrose Dairy and Del Monte Meats before retiring at the age of 49.

While working at Alpenrose Dairy, friends introduced him to his second wife, Joan Gunstone, and they were married on April 22, 1960. They loved to travel: Hawaii, Mexico, twice across the U.S. and Canada in their Fifth Wheel. They took several cruises: one on a freighter to Hong Kong.

Upon retirement, they spent 41 winters in Borrego Springs, California. While there, they had many desert adventures. They also spent many days golfing at Rams Hill Country Club and Borrego Springs Country Club. He made hole-in-ones at both courses; his last being at the age of 84. They also loved playing bridge with friends and having family come for visits. Their summers were spent in Long Beach, Washington until they built a home in Ilwaco, overlooking the Columbia River and salmon fishing with family and friends.

Besides his wife, Verle is survived by his children – Debra (Raymond) Mott, Verle "Byron" Prickett Jr. and Verna "Susie" Dunthron, his sister Shirley Jean Gieszler, nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, four nephews and one niece.

Donations may be made to the Borrego Springs High School Golf Club.