Vernon W. Hartwell was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on January 31, 1938 to LeRoy Hartwell and Thelma Francis Pearl, joining his older sister and brother. At the age of 17 he joined the Air Force, stationed in Michigan, Portland and Guam, where he served in the military police. He was proud of his service and the many lessons that he learned. Vernon returned to Portland in 1957 and found his home here in Portland.

A very hard worker, Vernon got his welding certificate from PCC. During his working career he was employed at Meier and Frank, Oregon Steel Mill, Oregon Health Science University, among many jobs he had before retiring from TriMet in 2007. Vernon was a very dedicated union member belonging to the Steelworkers, AFSCME and ATU, serving in both leadership and rank and file positions.

Vernon was a man of varied interests including fishing, travel, good Scotch, football - both the Oregon Ducks and the Seahawks, and Asian food. He appeared to have a gruff exterior but he was a kind, generous man, always willing to help others. Vernon loved and found peace at the coast, but he was not a fan of getting sandy or swimming in the ocean.

Vernon died of natural causes on October 2, 2016. He leaves behind his daughter Synnamon and her three children, Joel, Joe'll, and Danaysha, two great-grandchildren; his son Toni Duke, Toni's wife Renee and their son Antoine; his son Vernon Jr.; his companion of over 30 years Valerie Fishler and her extended family; many cousins, nieces and nephews and friends. He was proceeded in death by his parents and siblings.

We will miss his smile and infectious laugh. Donations to gotyour6.org, an organization that Vernon felt strongly about.

Service to be held on Saturday October 8, 2016 at 2pm at Hustad Funeral Home, 7232 N. Richmond Ave., with a reception to follow.