John T Vernieu
June 3, 1923 — June 11, 2014
John Vernieu
Formerly of Richfield
Judge John Thomas Vernieu, 91, former resident of Richfield, died peacefully at home in Murrieta, California on June 11, 2014 after a tireless fight with infirmity following a cardiac arrest in 2009.
John Thomas was the firstborn child of John Godfrey and Elsie Lucille Thomas Vernieu. He grew up in Ogden with five younger siblings and was the proud graduate of Ogden High School and Weber College, where he led the debate team in 1941. Between 1942 and 1946 he served in the United States Army. Stationed in the Philippines, he attained the rank of Sergeant. After completing his military service, he attended the University of Utah, where he became a popular member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He graduated with a JD from the College of Law in 1950. John and his bride Betty M. Jensen Vernieu (of Elsinore, deceased Sept. 29, 1982) were married in Salt Lake City and made Richfield their home in 1951, where he began his law career in the firm of Carvel Mattson. It was not long before he opened his own law office on North Main, just down the street from his former home across from the old Richfield Clinic. As one of the town's leading citizens, he actively engaged in the life of the community. He was a member of the Lion's Club that built the park and performed in outdoor summer theater productions. He ran for public office on a Democratic ticket. He was also a trustee of the College of Southern Utah for several years and its baccalaureate speaker in 1967. A great admirer of the state’s National Parks and Forests, he spent many happy days with friends in the great outdoors.
With Garkane Power Association as an important client, John became an expert in corporate and regulatory law. Former Governor Calvin L, Rampton then appointed him as a Public Service Commissioner for the State of Utah, and the family moved to Salt Lake City in 1969. Three years later, the Nelson A. Rockefeller administration recruited him as an Administrative Law Judge for the Public Service Commission of the State of New York. He retired from the Commission in 1995.
As a retiree, John made a second career out of volunteer work, serving as the secretary and treasurer of the upstate New York branch of the American Guild of Organists, singing in choirs, and ushering at the ballet and symphony. Active in the LDS Church, he was the Albany Ward chorister and choir director for almost as long as he lived in the area.
Survivors include his children: Peggy A. Vernieu of Berkeley, CA; John B. Vernieu of Wildomar, CA; and Mary C. Vernieu of Venice, CA; his grandsons: Erik W. Vernieu and Tyler W. Vernieu of Latham, NY; grandson, Heath A. Shutt of Yankton, SD; granddaughter, Crystal Jennings-Vernieu of Fort Mohave, AZ; two great-granddaughters; siblings: Joan L. Ross of Las Vegas, NV; and James T. Vernieu of Ogden; sisters-in-law: Dorothy Vernieu of Ogden; and Helen Vernieu of Mesquite, NV; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Betty; grandson, Cody D. Shutt; brothers: Paul D., Richard T., and Charles D.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, June 19 at 3:00 p.m. near the west entrance to the Richfield Cemetery, with military rites by the V.F.W. Sevier Post #5050 and Utah Honor Guard and music. Reminiscing will continue at the Richfield 9 th Ward, 159 North 400 West, following the services. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com .