Bernard LaVern Smith

Bernard LaVern “Vern” Smith, 92, of West Haven, Eden, and South Ogden, Utah, passed away peacefully of natural causes at Spring Gardens Senior Living in North Ogden on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Born October 4, 1933, in Twin Falls, Idaho, Vern was the eldest of three children of Anna Rebecca Jorgensen and Percival “Percy” Bernard Smith. He spent his early years in Idaho, but his family moved to the Roy area while he was still in middle school. Vern graduated from Weber High School, Class of 1952, and right out of high school he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served during the Korean War and Vietnam War, being honorably discharged from the Navy in 1962 as a PN1 (Personnel Man First Class), after having served on the U.S.S. Saratoga. He remained in the US Navy Ready Reserve for another 10 years.

In October of 1974 he joined the United States Air Force Reserve, serving honorably for 19 years until his retirement in October of 1993, being discharged as a SMSGT. Following his naval service, Vern worked in Civil Service at Hill Air Force Base in Personnel Management, until retiring in 1987.

Vern loved boating, camping, fishing, and caring for his horses, goats, ducks, and geese. He loved building things with his hands and was a master tinkerer in his shop. On his homestead, Farm at Rivers Edge, Vern built many outbuildings and was proud to have the “happiest” horses in the valley.

Vern also made model cars of about every vehicle he ever owned. He loved to talk and tell all his stories about being in the military, both the Navy and Air Force Reserves.

He will be remembered most for his laughter, joking, and being ‘the boss.’ He was particular about many details, including how his bed was to be made, a common trait of a career military man.

Most of all, Vern truly loved his family. He was very outgoing and made friends easily. He was very patriotic and grateful for the care of his children throughout these latter years.

Our family wishes to thank the staff of Cornerstone Caregivers who cared for our father for many months.

He was married to Iva Lou McClurg in May of 1956. They later divorced in the early 1970s. He then married Carole Ann Rohwer Barker on July 12, 1978. Vern and Carole enjoyed 45 years of marriage before she passed away in February of 2024.

Vern is survived by his children, Terri (John) Dunn, Riverdale; Dennis (Susan) Smith, Liberty; Kim (Garn) Tolsma; Liberty; Curt Smith, Malad, Idaho; Mark Smith, Myrtle Creek, Oregon; Julie (Ted) Jamison, Clinton; Jae (Calli) Smith, Fruit Heights; by 26 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren; by his sister-in-law, Linda Smith, Plain City; and by his beloved fur baby, Miss Molly.

In addition to his wife, Vern was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Evan Smith; sister, Leona Smith; by grandsons, Colter Tolsma and Gregory Weyburn; and by his great-grandson, Kalum Weyburn.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s North Ogden Mortuary, 2140 North Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Lindquist Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.