Vernon Lee LaBay

Vernon Lee LaBay, 84, of Ellensburg passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2020, due to complications of back surgery and heart attack. He passed away at the Prestige Post-Acute Care and Rehabilitation Center. Royce and Carie were at his side. Vern was born December 29, 1935, in Yakima WA, the only child of Helen (Parrish) and Alvin LaBay. He was raised in Yakima and graduated in 1954 from Yakima High School, what is now Davis High School. Vernon joined the US Army in 1955. He and Royce Lambdin were married on April 17, 1956 in Yakima. Shortly after their marriage they were sent to France for a year, it was during this time their first daughter was born. Vern then transitioned back to civilian life upon his return to Yakima.

He attended Yakima Valley College and Yakima Business College. For many years, beginning in 1962 he commuted from Yakima to Ellensburg up the Canyon Road not only to work at CWU but to attend classes. He earned his Accounting degree while raising a family and working at CWU (retiring in July 1998 after thirty-seven years of service).

He was Past Master of the Ellensburg Masonic Lodge #39, and 32 Scottish Rite member of Yakima: a member of the Ellensburg Moose Lodge #494 and a longtime member of the American Legion Post #8 in Ellensburg. Vern also spent ten years in the Kittitas County Sheriffs Reserve and volunteered in the Senior Patrol of which he thoroughly enjoyed spending time with fellow officers. Vern had a real soft spot in his heart for law enforcement.

He loved living on his Manastash property over the past 30 years. He would sit outside and watch the wildlife pass through. A day wouldnt go by without feeding the quail. The property was groomed like a park until Verns back pain started preventing him from keeping it like that. It was then that a heartfelt decision was made to move into town. Vern and his entire family and friends spent many wonderful camping trips together up until late July this year.

Survivors in addition to his wife are their children Carie Fisk (David) and grandson Cole of Wenatchee. Connie Williams (Phillip) and granddaughters Callie Smitchger (Blake) and McClain Williams all of Boise Idaho. Vern leaves behind a very special companion named Gracie, a small, long haired dachshund. She is showing signs of missing him. Family wishes to thank the medical staff at Prestige Post-Acute and Rehabilitation Center for the exceptional care given to Vern. Honoring Verns wishes no public services will be held. Memorial donation can be made in his honor to Kittitas County Search & Rescue, P.O. Box 1494, Ellensburg, WA 98926, or Ellensburg Animal Shelter, 100 N. Pearl St., Ellensburg, WA 98926. Online condolences may be left at www.brooksidefuneral.com.

Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family.