Vern was born on June 13, 1950 in Renton, WA to Erwin Engesath and Jean Bie. Later the family moved to what is now the SeaTac area and Vern met the Mesdag family. At the age of 10, by mutual agreement of both families Vern moved in with the Mesdags and became like their own son. While there he learned the value hard work and he learned to speak fluent Dutch and much more. The family later moved to Bothell, WA and Vern graduated from Bothell High School in 1968 where he excelled on the wrestling team.

After graduating high school Vern moved to Alaska. He attended Sheldon Jackson College in Sitka for two years, then junior year at Univ. of AK Fairbanks and senior year at Univ. of Puget Sound in Washington State. He graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Biology. He moved back to Alaska and was hired by the Sitka Fire Dept. in 1975, where he attained the title of Rescue Captain. He married Cindy Martin in 1977 and they had two beautiful daughters, Corrie and Jaime. In the early 1980's Vern transferred to the Juneau Fire Dept. and later, he and Cindy divorced. He met his wife Jeanne in 1986 and they married in 1987. Vern spent years fishing the Alaskan waters for halibut and salmon. He also was a licensed first aid and CPR instructor. He retired from the Auke Bay Fire Dept. near Juneau, in 1995, again with the title of Rescue Captain.

After retirement Vern and Jeanne spent time in Hawaii and California and then eventually made their way to Port Angeles, WA where they purchased a home on 4 ½ acres in 1999. They raised German Shepherd Dogs and Vern hunted the mountains of Idaho with his mules and his friends.

Vern was a brave and kind man. If anyone was ever in danger or needed help, he was there, whether in his capacity as a firefighter/EMT or as a private citizen, he would always give his best.

On June 20, 2026 Vern passed away from complications of Parkinson's Disease. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2012. He carried it for 14 years and he never complained, he just did what he could as long as he could. He is now free of his rundown body and praising his Lord in Heaven.

Vern is survived by his beloved wife Jeanne, daughters Corrie Auten and Jaime Azaroff, sisters Linda Engesath and Marina Mahdi, grandchildren Savannah Bain, Morgan Mower, Thomas Smalley, Kaylin Colburn, Matthew Azaroff, Nicholas Azaroff, and great granddaughters Bristol and Palmer plus numerous nieces, nephews and members of the Mesdag family .

A celebration of life will be held for Vern on

Friday, September 25, 2026
Independent Bible Church
Family Life Center
116 E. Ahlvers Rd.
Port Angeles, WA
Noon to 3 pm