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Verne Smith Obituary

VERNE K. SMITH, 64 ROCKFORD - Verne K. Smith, 64, of Rockford died Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011. Born May 8, 1946, in Muskegon, Mich. Verne was a fixture of the local music scene. During more than three decades, Verne attended hundreds, if not thousands, of shows and concerts put on in the Rockford area by local and national bands. In 2001, the Rockford Area Music Industry named Verne "the biggest music fan of all time." He was a client of the ARC of Winnebago, Boone and Ogle Counties. Survived by his most trusted friend, Dave (Sally) Giamalva; his coordinator at the ARC, Pat (Ted) Kline; as well as the many friends, fans and bands that he so enthusiastically supported. Predeceased by parents, Julia and Stanley Domkowski. Service at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 21, at Heartland Community Church, 1280 South Alpine Road. Interment in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, at the church, and from 9 a.m. Friday to time of service. Per Verne's wishes, memorials may be made in his name to the ARC, at 1222 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61104. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting with arrangements.

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Published by Rockford Register Star from Jan. 18 to Jan. 19, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Verne Smith

17 Entries

Latoya Porchia

January 21, 2011

Verne you will be missed,I will miss seeing you at Franchesco's listening to Harlan Jefferson..

Angela Britton

January 21, 2011

Vern.. I will miss your big smile and how you would always say "How you doing pretty lady?" whenever I saw you.. you were a true blessing to this world and now you will be a true blessing to GOD and his angels.

Charmain Healy

January 20, 2011

R.I.P Vern - You and your family cared and loved me and my mother for years and the joy and help you brought not just to my mother but me. I can never repay you for the love and devotion you gave us. dance and sing your heart out with the angels and tell julia hi for me.

- Love Ya Always,
Your Stepdaughter Charmain Healy

Brian Jenkins Leggero

January 20, 2011

Will certainly miss Verne. Just think of all the people he's watching perform now in Heaven!

Gene G

January 19, 2011

I met Verne while working at " The Stables" now Take 20, and never saw him without a smile. He danced all nite long while others gave out. I will always remember his red shoes, I think he loved them so much he wore them out. We will all miss that smile and those dancing feet, may you rest in peace and dance forever more.

Dorothy Webster-Wainright

January 19, 2011

R.I.P. Vern... Your passion for the music is known to all around Rockford who loves the music you followed with such commitment!.. I know whatever concerts I went to you were always there dancing on the sidelines.. Your legacy will live on as concerts will continue..Will always think of you there dancing..I know you are dancing with the Lord now my friend...R.I.P..God blesses you!!

Nikki

January 19, 2011

Verne,
Thank you for coming to our shows and dancing the night away. It was nice to see a familiar face every time I attended Waterfront or any other music event. I hope your life was a fantastic journey and I am blessed for having been a part of it. Rest in peace...

Gary Guzzardo

January 19, 2011

I met Vern for the first time 30 years ago when I was playing in South Beloit. Vern was a Killer disco dancer You couldn't keep your eyes off of him, The Rockford music scene won't be the same without Vern . Go in peace my good friend.

Dianna

January 19, 2011

I remember Verne stopping in at CJ's Custom Cuts quite often about 20 yrs. ago..always with a smile and a good joke to share...and such a good time when we would see him out and about dancing away...R.I.P. Verne...and keep on dancing...you are missed!

Benney

January 18, 2011

We will truly miss Verne, a delightful person with a tremendous spirit! His sweet dance moves and contagious laughter will remain in our memories forever. He always made us feel special when he was in attendance at one of our shows. Fly on, Verne... Enjoy all of those shows in Heaven!

Forever in our hearts,
Benney and the boys in Whalebone

Annette Poff

January 18, 2011

I would like to thank everyone who spent the time to visit Vern in the hospital and at Alma Nelson.He really just wanted people to visit him.He always asked why more people didnt visit,I would say to him they will. I will miss you Vern more then you can know.

Charles&Kathryn Bandy

January 18, 2011

VERNE, YOU WILL BE MISSED, BY ALL OF US AT:(GOLDEN CORRAL RESTARUNT) MY WIFE AND I MISS ALL THE PRAYERS, YOU USED TO PRAY, AT THE TABLE NEXT TO OURS. WE KNOW YOU WERE CATHOLIC, BUT THAT MAKES NO DIFFERANCE, WE ARE ALL GOING TO THE SAME PLACE.
BEST WISHES TO ALL YOUR FAMILY, AND MAY GOD BLESS.

jennifer b

January 18, 2011

Vern was always a great face to see! He smiled, and never had a harsh word for anyone! I wish his friends and family all the support they need during this sad time.

William Roland

January 18, 2011

I remember seeing Verne at RIPT shows,man he loved music.Say hi
Jimmy for us Verne.

Connie Brinker

January 18, 2011

I'll always remember Verne, since I was around 15...quite the caracter and fancy dancer!!!! May he rest in peace....he will be missed by many!!!!

Tricia Connor Pauletti

January 18, 2011

I remember Verne! He use to come and watch my late husband's band, "The Exceptions." One of the greatest music fans of all times, he will be missed! I'm sure that Verne is already enjoying the Angels music in Heaven. Peace Verne!

Angie Seehaver

January 18, 2011

R.I.P Verne! You will be missed.

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