In Loving Memory of Vernon Leroy VanderPol

December 23,1946 - September 19, 2026

It is with full hearts and many fond memories that we share the passing of Vern at the age of 79.

If you knew Vern, you knew a man who never met a bad pun he didn’t love (or immediately drop on an unsuspecting audience). He was a dedicated gardener with a riotous collection of unusual, striking specimens. He was totally happy with a fishing rod in hand and water stretched out in front of him. He was a Life Master Bridge player and enjoyed all the tournaments he went to. He was a creative chef always trying new dishes (and hoping someone was going to clean up after him). His love for the outdoors included hiking and camping.

He was a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Vern’s deeply rooted Anglican faith guided him in the last years of his life, grounding him in worship, community, and a sense of calling to serve the world

He is survived by his Malaysian wife Sim Sou Lee (Liliy), his three children–Gary, Jennifer, and Laura, his four grandchildren, Isaiah, Camila, Sydney and Savannah and his siblings–Kathleen, Ron, Marilyn and Irene.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday October 3rd at 4:00PM at Mavis Stouffer Park, 1000 Stouffer Street, Ripon, CA.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Tuesday, October 6, 2026