VADNAIS, Lavern “Vern”

VADNAIS It’s with sad hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our Father, Grandfather, Friend and Husband LAVERN LEE VADNAIS at his farm on December 23, 2025.
Lavern, “Vern” was born on July 9th, 1949 to Laura and Laurier Vadnais. He grew up in the Boundary Creek area where he learned to farm and ranch under the shadows of Chief Mountain. He was the 3rd of six children and is survived by Joy (Denver) Bevans, Ken (Pat) Vadnais, Bruce (Judy) Vadnais, Gordon (Sandra) Vadnais and his sister Susie (Gene) Parkins.
After graduating from Cardston High School he went on to attend the University of Alberta to pursue a degree in Agriculture. While there he helped to found the first University of Alberta Farmhouse fraternity chapter. He made many lifelong friends across Alberta because of this and always loved to reconnect with them at their gatherings. That group can talk farming for days!
He married Katherine Newton from Del Bonita on June 5th, 1971. They started their early married life farming and ranching in Boundary Creek and went on to have five children: Maureen (Frank) Vadnais-Sloan, Meagan (Wes) Card, Holly (Gary) Kutsch, Heather (Adair) Quesnelle, and Ryan (Brooke) Vadnais.
Wanting to expand his farming practice, Kathy and Lavern moved east of Cardston in 1980 to the place we all affectionately call “The Farm”. From that location he was able to farm more acres and build feed pens and grain bins to help fatten cattle. He took pride in his cattle and his crops. New machinery was always a highlight – especially if he could lap the other baler in the field with his new and improved one! If a 4H calf he had a part in raising won rate of gain or a grand championship, we had to reinforce his shirt buttons on sale day to make sure they didn’t pop right off his chest!
Most of his days were spent working from before dawn to past sunset. He was one of the hardest workers we know. He taught his children to work hard and love the farm life. When his 21 grandchildren came along, they were taught to work and love the farm as well. We will miss his cheesy grins, horrible jokes and fun loving nature.
In 2022 his beloved wife Kathy passed away suddenly. He reconnected with the Boundary Creek girl from the next farm over, Georgette Hricise. They were married on January 7th, 2023. We are grateful for the companionship and love she provided our Dad with these past few years.
He is pre-deceased by his wife Kathy Vadnais, son-in-laws Frank Sloan and Adair Quesnelle and grandson Wyatt Dee Card. We are sure there were many happy gatherings when he got to Heaven. He will be greatly missed here on Earth but we know he will just get to work up there in Heaven. Until we meet again.
Friends may meet the family on Thursday, January 1st, from 7:00 – 8:00 pm at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston, or at the Church on Friday from 10:00 – 10:45 am, prior to the service.
The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cardston Alberta Stake Centre, 338 5th Ave. E., Cardston, on Friday, January 2nd, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow in the Cardston Cemetery.
To Watch the Service or send condolences please visit www.legacyfuneralhome.ca