Pawlech, Vern William
Vern William Pawlech passed away peacefully at Campbell House Hospice in Collingwood, Ontario on February 12, 2026, with his family by his side. He was the beloved partner of Marie Rivière-Stephenson and was predeceased by his former spouse Barbara (nee Teneyck). Dear father of Timothy (deceased 1973), Kristy, Jennifer (Glen), Tamara (Keith) and Rhondi (Evan). Stepfather to Mark, Neil, Paul and Anne and loving grandpa “P” to Conner and Spencer, Russell and Marshall, and step-grandpa to Benjamin, Christopher, Samantha and Jack. Survived by sister Eileen Pletzer (the late Rod) and was predeceased by his brother Gene Pawlech (Edie). Vern will be fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Born in Nobel, Ontario Vern spent his early years in the CIL housing village before his family bought a farm just outside of Parry Sound when he was six. He grew up working hard – helping on the family farm, assisting neighbouring farmers, logging and driving truck. His strong work ethic carried into a 30-plus-year career with Imperial Oil (Esso Petroleum), where he held numerous roles within the distribution group, and ultimately retired as the Aviation Coordinator for Ontario. His career took him across the province, with postings in Parry Sound, Timmins, Wawa, Cutler, Thunder Bay and Don Mills. While in Thunder Bay he pursued his passion for aviation and a dream, to get his pilot’s license.
Vern valued family and friendships deeply. He worked hard to maintain connections and was well known for organizing lively gatherings in the Parry Sound area. He loved the outdoors-hunting, golfing, curling, baseball, and hockey, gardening, snowmobiling, ATVing and anything involving tractors. He was an enthusiastic birdwatcher and could identify a tree simply by its bark. A natural problem-solver, he was affectionally known as a “MacGyver,” able to fix anything with whatever materials were at hand.
Vern found a second chance at love with Marie, and together they built a full and joyful life in Glencairn, where he lived for 23 years. Their home was a hub of friendship, family, and hospitality. They enjoyed traveling, entertaining, spending time in the Gaspé Peninsula, winter months in Florida and exploring destinations around the world. Maple syrup season was a highlight for Vern, and he delighted in sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm.
He will be remembered for his fun-loving spirit, his many “Vern-isms” (expressions and ‘little ditties’), his booming voice, his warmth, and steady presence. He was a man of few complaints, a supportive father, and a devoted grandfather who took great joy in watching his grandchildren, grow and pursue their dreams.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Engell and the nurses at Collingwood Marine Hospital for their care, and to the compassionate staff at Campbell House Hospice for the extraordinary kindness they offered Vern and his family during his brief stay. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday February 28, 2026, at Station on the Green in Creemore from 2 – 4 pm. He will be interred on May 2, 2026, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Parry Sound, followed by a Celebration of Life at Logan Funeral Home. In Vern’s memory, donations to the Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation would be greatly appreciated. (340 Erie St., Collingwood, Ontario | (705) 444-2555 | support@HospiceGT.com) Friends may visit Vern’s online Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com
