STOCKTON SPRINGS – Ver-non P. Brett, 90, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully Sept. 15, 2007, at home. He was born April 20, 1917, in Winton, N.C., a son of Bertha Proctor Brett and Henon C. Brett. Vernon graduated from high school in Ahoskie, N.C., where he was valedictorian of his class. He received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he served for two years. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business. He also pursued graduate work at the University of Maryland. Upon graduation from college, Vernon began work for the Glenn L. Martin Co., Baltimore. Vernon worked for the Martin Co., now Lockheed Martin, for more than 40 years. He held many positions and received numerous awards during his varied career, where he worked on many projects. At the time of his retirement in 1985, he was a materials manager for the external tank project for the space shuttle. Vernon had numerous friends in the many places where he lived and was much beloved by many neighbors and their families. Of special note is the Richard Carpenter family of Spanish Fort, Ala., whose daughter, Lauren, was his godchild, and the Peter O’Connell family of Slidell, La. Upon his retirement from Martin Marietta, Vernon served as a literacy volunteer and mentor in Slidell, La. Vernon was a staunch Republican, who greatly admired Ronald Reagan. Vernon especially loved Maine and decided to permanently locate to Stockton Springs in 2001, after spending numerous years as a part-time resident of Searsport, where he lived with his beloved wife, Thelma, at a cottage on the grounds of the Homeport Inn. Vernon was an active member of First Congregational Church of Searsport, where he derived great joy from his numerous friends and the beautiful surroundings including what he deemed the most awesome music. He was an enthusiastic donor and supporter of Penobscot Marine Museum, Searsport and Owls Head Transportation Museum. Vernon was an avid animal lover and had many pets. In recent years he derived great joy from his three dogs, Frostu, Earl and Shannon. Vernon is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Thelma Reynolds Brett of Stockton Springs; and two daughters, Mary Brett Rabaioli and her husband, Peter, of Camden and Ann Brett of Tucson, Ariz. Vernon also leaves many nieces, nephews and numerous friends from Denver, Slidell, La., and New Orleans, Little River, S.C., and Maine. Vernon was predeceased by his parents, Henon C. and Bertha Proctor Brett; as well as three brothers, Lewis Rolac, Herbert Maurice and Harry Carlton Brett; and three sisters, Sue McGlaughan Brett, Lyla Eley Brett and Ethel Louise Brett. The family would especially like to thank Stockton Springs Ambulance for responding Saturday, and to the staff and doctors at Waldo County Hospital for their care and compassion, especially Dr. Kent Clark and Dr. Howard Jones. We would also like to offer special thanks to Richard Rowell and Jodell Rollerson for their assistance and support Saturday evening. A memorial service celebrating Vernon’s life will be held 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 21, at First Congregational Church of Searsport with the Rev. Dr. Arlin T. Larsen officiating. A private burial service will be held at Reynolds Family Cemetery, South Carolina, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in Vernon’s memory to First Congregational Church of Searsport, Pew Cushion Fund, P.O. Box 261, Searsport, ME 04974.
VERNON PROCTOR BRETT
