VERNER, Carl Arthur

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ August 28, 2008 Carl Arthur Verner died Aug. 21, 2008, in Ketchum, Idaho. He was born June 12, 1919, in Walden, Colo. Carl was raised in North Park, Colo., and graduated from Iowa State in Aimes, Iowa, with a degree in agriculture in 1941. Carl left the North Park area many times "to set the world on fire" only to return "for more matches." In 1950 he met and married the love of his life, Anna Lenora McKinstray, in Jackson, Wyo. They returned to Colorado, dairy farming in Fort Collins and then leasing and finally purchasing one and then a second ranch. After ranching for over two decades, they were able to retire. A portion of one of their ranches purchased by Fish and Game was made a wildlife preserve and named in their honor, "Verner State Wildlife Area," near Walden, Colo. Carl had first and foremost an incredible work and moral ethic, a positively sunny disposition and was the best at duplicating many non- and fictional stories and jokes. He loved a good meal and a good cookie. They retired first to Sedona, then Alpine and finally Springerville, making many friends along the way. Although they had no children, they were dearly loved by their many nephews and nieces, most of whom had the pleasure of staying with them on their farm, ranches and then enjoying their retirement with them. Upon retiring to Sedona, Carl became quite a silversmith, making many unique, beautiful pieces for his relatives and friends. Upon finally resettling in Springerville, Carl and Nora designed and built a new home, despite that they had both passed their 80th birthdays. After losing his wife shortly after their 50th anniversary, Carl stayed in Springerville until ill health took him to Idaho to live with his niece, Virginia, and her family in 2005. Even though in declining health for the past several months, Carl lived as he died, with dignity. He was a true gentleman and will be deeply and greatly missed by his family and many friends he made along his way. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Ruth, 11 nephews, two nieces and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, his only sister Edith, and his wife, Anna Lenora. A graveside will be held at a later date.