Vern Attwood

Traverse City – Verner Cecil Attwood, 89, died Saturday, March 23rd, 2019 at Traverse City Pavilions Nursing Facility in Traverse City, Michigan from a yearlong battle of complications from a stroke.

Vern is survived by his loving Wife of 68 years, Beverly Jean Attwood; his son and daughter in-law Keith and Joan Attwood, his daughter and son in-law Vicki and Bruce Biddinger, and his son Kris Attwood. He is also survived by his seven grand children Erin, Annie, Corey, Nik, Gracie, Kyle and Sarah and their spouses; and 12 Great grand children and several relatives and close friends.

Vern was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Cecil and Alma (Cross) Attwood. On October 21, 1950, Vern married the love of his life, Beverly Schumer. Anyone could see the strong love they had for each other on a daily basis. He and Beverly then moved to Traverse City, Michigan, in 1963. In his early years in Detroit, Vern was a Draftsman for the Chrysler Cooperation. After moving to Traverse City, they owned and operated On-A-Bay Court Motel on East Bay. He also became a Computer Programmer working for Belfour-Stulen, one of the first Computer businesses in Traverse City. After 26 years and a short retirement, Vern began working for Lake States Insurance Company, again as a Computer Programmer. He also worked for Great Lakes Striping and Sealing as CFO.

Vern and Beverly both had a passion for the Theater. They were both extremely immersed in the creative beginnings of the Traverse City civic players and the initial opening of the Old Town Play House. While Vern worked mainly behind the scenes creating and building stage sets, Beverly would act, sing, and direct many Play House productions.

Vern loved family times, especially many years of traveling to Gulf Shores, Alabama. Family and friends would meet there and created so many memorable vacations!

Vern also had a passion for woodworking and stain glass creations. He was very creative! He was the most optimistic man and always saw the good in people. He will be missed by many.

A casual memorial service will be held at Life Story Funeral Home, 400 Hammond Road W., Traverse City, MI 49686, Saturday June 1, 2019, between 2 pm and 5 pm. A brief service will be held at 3pm. Donations may be made to the local Old Town Playhouse and the Parkinson’s Foundation. Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to sign the guestbook and share your thoughts and memories with the family.