Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: In Memory Of Vernon Klingman

This is topic In Memory Of Vernon Klingman in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://ft-forum.com/ft/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=8;t=002563

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 10-01-2003, 10:49 PM:

I am sorry to say that Vern passed away Sunday Evening after a battle with Leukemia.

Vern has done much for the industry, and has done much for Josh and I.

It saddens me to make this post. The industry has lost a good technician, and Josh and I have lost a good friend.

May we have a moment of silence in memory of Vernon?

Thank you.

Paul

Posted by Peter Kerchinsky (Member # 1098) on 10-02-2003, 04:56 AM:

Paul
This is indeed sad news.
Vern bailed me out of a couple of jams while working at theatres here in Seattle and always felt he was a damn good tech.
He will be missed here.
Pete

Posted by Robert E. Allen (Member # 1351) on 10-02-2003, 04:58 PM:

I talked to vern about my project and he gave me some good advise. He even wanted a chance to bid on it. I'm shocked and saddened. He will be missed.

Posted by Jack Ondracek (Member # 1466) on 10-02-2003, 07:16 PM:

Joan called us this morning. Vern did a lot of work for some good friends of mine over here. He also helped me get my quad opened & provided a lot of parts and supplies. He really was about the only call you needed to make, if you didn't know the answer yourself.

We'll miss him greatly.

Posted by Clint Koch (Member # 1179) on 10-03-2003, 12:29 PM:

Saying a prayer as I type. We have had way to many good people pass away recently. Vern will be missed by me and USL.

Clint

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 10-05-2003, 06:08 PM:

I attended Vern's Memorial Service yesterday in Mukilteo, Washington. I was a nice service which lasted about two hours.

One thing I didn't know about Vern - even after all the years I have known him. He was a religious man but yet he never pushed it on anyone. It was the center of his life.

As I thought about it, I never heard Vern say an off-colored word in all the years I have known him. I do remember him as a kind and generous man who always seemed to smile and look for good in people. He was always willing to help anyone that needed it in both his profession and personal life. He did listen to Spiritual music quite often - and one song that was his favorite was played during the Memorial Service. His son loaned me the only copy of that song so I may listen to it again.

I was shocked when I looked at Vern's pictures that were taken through his life that were on display in the Foyer. He was a motorcycle nut in his younger years and there was an old picture of him sitting on a Suzuki machine. The picture that shocked me was one where he was wearing a plastic eye protector....and it looked almost like the one I took of Josh when he was wearing a set of those when we toured Strong International. I even made a comment to Joan about it.

When I return the song to Joan and her son, she said I can take pictures of the pictures that were on display. Another picture was Vern standing next to a carbon-arc setup with Magnarcs and Super Simplex's in a booth he ran in his younger years.

During the service, the pastor allowed guests to come up and speak of Vern and the memories they have of him. I must admit they were quite moving, and I must also admit I had some misty eyes myself.

In Vern's final hours, he knew the end was near. As his wife, two sons and daughter were surrounding his bedside, he said "I am ready." He then smiled at them took a deep sigh, and passed on.

Vern was in great pain most of the time. But he never let on to it. He was afflicted with Asthma, Diabetes and Arthritis before he was struck down with Lukemnia. Vern was 53 years old.

I shall miss him. I shall miss the "coffee stops" we made - we both enjoyed them. It was always fun to be with him. Whenever I (or Josh) ever needed a part for the machines or advice, he was always there to offer his expertise.

Josh has unknowingly lost a good friend. I have lost a good friend as well as those who knew Vern.

I walked away from the Memorial Service a little humbled. For the rest of the day I ran movies....and thought of some of the great times we had. It was indeed a sad day for me.

Vern was indeed a wonderful person.

Paul

Posted by Robert E. Allen (Member # 1351) on 10-06-2003, 08:40 PM:

Thank you for the story Paul. Although I didn't really know Vern I'm saddened to see him go and glad to hear about his faith. I wish my project had of materialized before as I would have given Vern the opportunity to bid on it.

Posted by Rick McCluney (Member # 642) on 10-06-2003, 09:51 PM:

I'm truly sorry to hear of Vern's death. He was one of the first techs that I dealt with when I became a projectionist. He will be greatly missed. If possible , Paul, could you post some of those pictures you took of the pictures at the memorial sevice on this forum.

Rick

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 10-06-2003, 10:44 PM:

Yes, Rick. I will do that with Joan's permission when I get them.

Posted by Rick McCluney (Member # 642) on 10-07-2003, 02:26 PM:

Also Paul what was the song they played that Vern's son let you borrow?

Rick

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 10-07-2003, 11:11 PM:

Rick, as per your request, here is a picture of Vern in the booth as a projectionist in California.

Here he is sitting on his Suzi Q.

Pictures courtesy of Joan Klingman

Posted by Rick McCluney (Member # 642) on 10-08-2003, 01:47 AM:

Thanks for posting the pictures Paul.

Rick

Posted by Robert E. Allen (Member # 1351) on 10-08-2003, 03:43 PM:

Ditto Paul. Now I can put a face with the memory.

Do you know if Vern's business will continue under anyone else?

Posted by Scott Manley (Member # 867) on 10-08-2003, 05:33 PM:

Was sorry to hear about Vern today. I had the privilidge of working with him in San Antonio about 12 years ago I think.
I credit my knowledge of projection equipment with crossing paths with some very good techs over the years. Techs and engineers that would tell you anything you want to know. As long as you were interested. Vern was very much welcome aqs one of those people that shaped me and added to my knowledge of electronics and projectors.

God Bless

Posted by Josh Jones (Member # 447) on 10-08-2003, 10:50 PM:

I'm real sorry I didnt post sooner. I am saddened to hear of Verns death. He helped me get an old exciter I had working again, and has provided not only good advice, but also friendship. Vern, you will be missed......

JJ

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 10-09-2003, 12:14 AM:

Robert, I have encouraged Joan to do so. She just might. I indicated I would help her if needed.

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 10-10-2003, 08:27 PM:

Poor Vern. Sorry to hear this, but glad to know he was a believer.