Obituary of Vernon L. Lindskog

VERNON L. LINDSKOG Vern was born on August 24, 1931, in Seattle to Ray and Candace Lindskog. The family moved to Olympia in 1935 where Vern grew up. A lifelong love of football began in the Olympia schools where Vern became the only person in his class at Olympia High School to letter in football for three years. A life of leadership also began in high school. Before graduating from Olympia High in 1949, Vern was elected captain of the football team by his teammates, served on the student council, was elected class president and received the Rotary award as Inspirational Leader. But Vern’s single greatest accomplishment in his years at Olympia High was meeting Joanie Foster, daughter of the late Washington State Supreme Court Justice Harry E. Foster and Sybil Foster. Vern and Joanie dated in high school and wound up attending the University of Washington together. They would stay together forever, marrying on August 16, 1952, and loving each other for 59 wonderful years. Vern’s interest in football continued at the University of Washington where he played on the freshman team and lettered on the varsity. Vern finished his undergraduate work after only three years and entered law school with two years of football eligibility remaining. Not only did he continue to play, he was a star lineman on both sides of the ball and set blocks for the likes of Hugh McElhenny and Don Heinrich as the center on offense. Vern was elected captain of the 1953 team and was a second team All Coast selection as well as an honorable mention AP All – American. Vern received multiple offers to play professional football in the NFL. He turned them all down, deciding instead to focus on his future as an attorney. Though his playing days ended, Vern never really left Husky football. Vern was a Tyee member and held season tickets to the games for over 50 years. Vern proudly began his legal career in the United States Air Force as an officer in the Judge Advocate General’s Office. He rose to the rank of Captain before receiving his honorable discharge in 1957. At that time, he and Joanie returned to Olympia where Vern began his law practice with Pebble & Swanson, which later became Pebble Swanson & Lindskog. In later years Vern was Of Counsel at Connolly Holm Tacon & Meserve. Vern held particular expertise in legislative matters and regulatory law. His knowledge and ability in these areas led him to work with the major oil companies for 35 years through his representation of the Western Oil and Gas Association. Vern also specialized in financial transactions and banking law, which led him into the business of banking. Vern became a founder, Director and Chairman of the Board of South Sound National Bank, which is now Bank of America. He was also a founder and Director of Grays Harbor Bank which is now Bank of the Pacific. Throughout their lives, Vern and Joanie have been blessed with friendships that began in grade school and included Vern’s football teammates, his brothers from the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, his law school classmates, and the business associates he met through his more than forty years as an attorney and businessman. Since retiring, Vern and Joanie have, in addition to their great friends, enjoyed their home in Ironwood Country Club in Palm Desert, California, golf, their travels throughout the world and, most especially their family. Vern leaves behind his beloved and devoted wife, Joanie, their children Bradley (Denise) Lindskog, Blake (Susan) Lindskog, Karen (Michael Schwartz) and Kyle (Blair Boland) and the eight adoring and adorable grandchildren, Torie, Shea, Emmie, Gunnar, Molly, Liam, Josh and Sophie. He is also survived by his brothers Jack (Sandy) Lindskog and Ronald Lindskog. Vern had at least one more love in his life: living on the waters of Puget Sound. He cherished having the opportunity to watch his children and his grandchildren learn to swim, water ski and sail in the South Sound. Vern passed away on May 23, 2011, looking out over the waters of the Sound from his window and surrounded by family. To the end, Vern lived a full, vibrant and joyful life. His love for his family, his friends and for the life he lived will be remembered forever by all who knew him. At Vern’s request, there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to your favorite charity. To leave memories of Vern or condolences for his family, please click on "View Guestbook" below.