Vernon Shatz, a resident of Medicine Hat for 69 years, died in hospital at age 94, on July 21, 2025. He struggled for four weeks to recover from several chronic health issues that developed late in his life. His daughter and his four grandchildren were by his side daily, visiting him and sitting with him, often while he slept. His family hoped he would recover and be able to leave the hospital but he took a turn and quietly slipped away. It was not entirely unexpected but his family are deeply saddened that he is gone. He was buried at Hillside Cemetery on July 28, 2025 alongside his wife and youngest daughter. 

Vernon was born on December 15, 1930, in Burdett, AB, and spent his childhood there with loving parents, Mark and Nellie Shatz and his brothers Ernest and Kenneth. He graduated from high school in Lethbridge in 1949. He married in 1955, and moved to Medicine Hat in 1956, as an insurance adjuster for Crosland, Peacock to manage their office. He worked in the insurance industry until he retired in 1995, ending his career by traveling to areas like Louisiana and New Jersey handling claims caused by natural disasters. 
Vern had two children, Patricia and David, from his first marriage. He met his second wife, Barbara, and the two married in 1963. Barbara had two daughters, Brenda and Cyndy from her first marriage and the couple raised the girls together. They were devoted parents and had a profound love and respect for each other. Vern's daughter visited during summer holidays and spent time with the girls. 

In 1987, Vern and Barb lost Brenda to brain cancer. She was 31 years old and the mother to two small children, Megan and Matthew. Vern and Barb took an active role in the lives of their grandkids and were willing to do anything for them. Soon Cyndy found herself alone raising her two small children, Daina and Zachary. Again, Vern and Barb were there to help. They were fun loving grandparents and made so many happy memories with their four grandkids. Their grandchildren look back on those times with fondness and gratitude.

In 2001, Cyndy was diagnosed with brain tumours. This time, Vern, determined not to lose another daughter, stepped up, yet again, and helped Cyndy fight her illness. He oversaw her personal and medical care, never giving up on her. But in 2009, at age 51, she lost her battle. Vern had also been caring for Barb as her health deteriorated. She passed away in 2012, three years after Cyndy, at age 80.

Over the years Vern had kept his daughter Pat informed of the details of family members as he cared for each of them. Concerned for his well-being she decided to move to Medicine Hat from Kamloops in 2012, to be near him and to watch over him in his final years. She was fortunate to have thirteen years with him before he passed away.

Vern spent many happy years as a family man and businessman. The losses in the latter years of his life never broke his true spirit. He was lighthearted and cheerful  but also modest and reserved. He demonstrated by example, the value of being of service to loved ones even though caregiving is never glamorous, a lot harder than he made it seem and it doesn't always end the way you hope. Vern was a gracious man, always happy to receive his daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren as visitors. He would walk them to the door and wave goodbye as they drove off. He would attend every birthday, concert, recital and family gathering he could, always happy to be there. He had a great appreciation for all things creative. He played the piano, violin and cello. He enjoyed tracing his genealogy back many generations. He spent countless hours woodworking and renovating his home where he lived until his passing. 

His daughter remembers him as a very young man,headstrong, independant and determined. She got to know him again as the little old guy shuffling around in his slippers. His family cannot begin to describe how much they will miss him. His grandchildren take comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his parents, wife and two daughters. They also treasure the time they were able to spend with him in the hospital during his final days, sharing stories with him over lunch hours. His grandchildren and great grandchildren are grateful for the love and devotion he showed them always. Instead of saying goodbye we will say, see you later Grandpa.