VERNON

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

VERNON LeROY "SKINK" DUTTON, P. Eng. May 4, 1921 - November 14, 2003 Born Birtle, MB, May 4, 1921. Attended school in Birtle, Foxwarren and St. Pauls College, Winnipeg. Vern completed his bachelor of engineering from the University of Manitoba and Masters degree from Penn State University. He was awarded an Athlone Fellowship to work in Scotland and study at Cambridge University. Vern taught in the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the University of Manitoba from 1957 until 1982. The hyperbolic paraboloid built by Professor Dutton and his students serves to this day as the divers shelter at West Hawk Lake. Verns enthusiastic love of learning lasted his entire life and he tried to pass that on to others through such acts as volunteering at Frontenac and Marion Schools. As part of his unspoken commitment to lifelong learning, Vern spent part of his career as a retiree working on the Professional Development Committee of the Association of Professional Engineers of Manitoba. Vern is best known as "Skink" (his Scouting nickname) and will probably be remembered by most for his passionate work on behalf of the Scouting movement. Skink served as leader of troops in Fort Richmond and Fort Garry. A personal highlight for Skink was his trip to the world jamboree in Norway, but he could be equally satisfied by a good canoe brigade on the LaSalle River. As a spin-off of his scouting activities, Skink became an active amateur radio enthusiast. VE4 VQ was a member of the Winnipeg Amateur Radio Club for many years and managed to link his love of Scouting with amateur radio via the "Jamboree of the Air". Skink is survived by his sister Marilyn (Vancouver), Ian and family (Toronto), his children, Gilbert (Winnipeg), Marguerite Boychuk (Calgary), Michael (Guelph) and grandchildren, Nicholas, Heather, Drew and Kiran. Skink was married to Viviane Mergny in 1949 and remained in close contact with her after their divorce in 1984. Memorial service to be held at St. Bartholomew Anglican Church, 881 Autumnwood Dr., Tuesday, November 25, 10:00 a.m. following cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations should be directed to the Victoria General Hospital Foundation or Scouts Canada. Arrangements Entrusted to: VOYAGE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIUM 1531 Pembina Hwy. 284-7500

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 22, 2003