VERNON DRAVLAND of Lethbridge and Carbury North Dakota, devoted husband of Eunice Clara (Vinge) Dravland passed away suddenly and peacefully on December 27th, 2012 at the age of 88 years.

Vern served in the US Army during World War II aboard the Hospital Ship Dogwood. In 1969 he joined the Faculty of Education of the University of Lethbridge as Director of Educational Research. After his retirement, he returned to farming on the land homesteaded by his grandfather in Carbury.

Besides his loving wife of 61 years, Vernon is survived by his son Jonas Eric, and daughter Elsa, 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by five brothers and three sisters.

He could always be counted on for a warm smile, a kind word or a gentle kiss on the hand. His generosity and loving spirit was only exceeded by his sense of humor, evidenced by his skill with the proper turn of a good Norwegian joke.

He will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of his Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday January 2, 2013 at the LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, 2406 11th Ave South, Lethbridge, with Pastor Tom Peterson, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations to Canadian Lutheran World Relief, www.clwr.org.