Vern Stillwell

Vern Stillwell was truly a Renaissance man, continually seeking renewal and re-vision for himself, and for others. I was fortunate to have known both Vern and Lyda from 1971 on, starting as a student in WMU Theatre, this has been a huge blessing in my life! Peace and grace dear Vern, and Lyda, for the gift of a life well lived! In Loving Admiration, Robin & Nancy Nott

I didn´t know Vern well and I´m sorry I didn´t. What I did know was all good: "A fellow of ... most excellent fancy," he complemented his talents as teacher and set designer with those as actor and saxophonist. I remember a snippet from Shakespeare we were producing for radio and Vern popped up with this startling voice for Dogberry, the witless constable in "Much Ado About Nothing." It was so perfect and so funny we were all staggering around the microphone laughing; needless to say, we had...

I met Vern in the mid-80's at Western Michigan University as a theatre student. We hit it off right away in his Theatre History class. He brought it all to life and so many times - we were in our own theatre history world! Talk of what it must have been like to be a Groundling in Shakespeare's day or how ancient Roman literature was inferior to the Greeks - mostly my opinion which he loved sparring about. No one could resist Vern Stillwell's charm, charisma, sense of humor, dashing...

Vern was a wonderful person who loved everything about life! If only we all had the sense of daring and the love of adventure he had. His kind and gentle spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace, Vern.

Vern was a most generous person, sharing his talents in special ways. When I retired from WMU thirty years ago, he surprised me with a model of the Romanesque court house in my home town, which he learned was a favorite building. He made several trips to see the courthouse in north central Indiana to get exact details. I cherish it to this day.

What a wonderful life! Keith remembers coming down to Flowerfield Road to help work on that house. So many memories! If it weren´t for Vern, Keith and I would never have met. Sending love and light to dear Lyda and Vern´s family.

Vern was an amazing man with a very large footprint. My deepest sympathy goes to you at the time.