Vernon L. Bock died on July 7, 2014 at his home in Hermiston at the age of 75.
He was born on Oct. 10, 1938 in Newcastle, Wyo., to Alfred Bock and N. Irma Phoenix Williams. Vern was raised and attended school in Hermiston, graduating from Hermiston High School in the class of 1956. He then graduated from Columbia Basin Lineman School and went to work for Umatilla Electric Cooperative in Hermiston. He married Sherel Tramel in 1958 and through that union they had one son, Corey Bock and two daughters, Tamara and DeAnn Bock.
Vern later married Peggy J. Re on September 30, 1977 in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. He worked as a lineman for UEC for 32 years before retiring in 1997. Vern then drove truck in the Hermiston area for several people including Ron Williams until retiring in 2009. He had been a 30-plus year member of both the Hermiston Elks and Eagles Lodges. Vern enjoyed traveling, camping, and playing pool. He always had a story and there was always history to be heard. He was liked and respected by all he met.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy Bock, Hermiston; sons, Corey Bock (Ye), Bend, and Ryan Bock (Lauren), Hermiston; daughters, Tamara Bock, Hermiston, and DeAnn Bock, Kennewick, Wash.; stepson, Steven Hamper, Calif.; stepdaughters, Sharra Hamper, Umatilla, Shawna Hector, Puyallup, Wash., and Robin Jackson (Ken), Hermiston; brothers, Bruce Bock, Edmunds, Wash., Doug Bock, Oak Harbor, Wash., Greg Bock, Tacoma, Wash.; half sister, Lori Bock, Winnemucca, Nev.; 17 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Vern was preceded in death by his parents.
At his request there will be no service.
Those who wish may make contributions in Vern’s memory to the Vange John Memorial Hospice at 645 W. Orchard Ave., Hermiston, 97838.
Please sign the condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
