Vernon Dale Holbrook

Born on November 10, 1934 in Tamarack, Idaho, he was the son of the late Dale Clifford Holbrook and Eda (Johnson) Holbrook. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jana Lynn (Holbrook) Tweten and wife, Nola Mae Jeanette (Fox) Holbrook.

He is survived by his current wife, Xin Zhao of Yakima, WA (China); son, Terry Holbrook and his wife, Cheryl Evans-Holbrook, of Spokane, WA; two step-sons, Andrew Rockenfield and his wife, Terra Rockenfield of Yakima, WA, and Chad Rockenfield also of Yakima. He had 12 grandchildren: Shaunda Holbrook (Jay Spurgin), Justin Bailey, Kevin Tate, Corie Ratliff (Ryan Ratliff), Kallie Tweten, Chad Rockenfield, Gwyneth Rockenfield, Shaylyn Rockenfield, Zoe Rockenfield, Mason Rockenfield, Lauren Hulsey (Jose Pacheco), and Sydnie (Hulsey) Pacheco (Clemente Pacheco) and 8 great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn Holbrook, Brooklyn Holbrook, Mercedes Ratliff, Riley Ratliff, Raiden Ratliff, Olivia Pacheco, Jordan Pacheco, and Ava Pacheco.

Vern grew up in Tamarack, ID and later Grangeville, ID where he started his family and drove oil trucks for a living. He then moved his family to Yakima in 1965 where he started his life-long journey of his passion of becoming a successful agent, broker, and owner of his own real estate company, Aspen Real Estate. He was a licensed broker since 1988 and designated broker of Aspen Real Estate. He had a GRI Designation and CRS Designation, Member of National Association of REALTORS, Member of Washington Association of REALTORS, Member of Yakima Association of REALTORS. He also served on various Yakima Association of REALTORS committees including the Ethics Committee and Chairman of the Golf Tournament.

When Vern was not busy selling homes, he enjoyed traveling with his family, fishing with his son, and golfing. Gardening was also a passion for Vern as this is where he found peace and solitude. He was an avid UW Huskies Basketball Fan and enjoyed watching all sports, especially attending the Seattle Mariners games. Vern was a minor league baseball player and played in competitive basketball leagues until the age of 55.

Vern was an involved member in his church as a Deacon at Trinity Church of the Nazarene. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was known for his yearly trip to Toys-R-Us free for all with all of the grandkids. He enjoyed this more than the grandkids did! Vern’s kind, generous, youthful spirit was felt by all that had the pleasure of crossing his path.

The family of Vernon D. Holbrook would like to thank the community for all of the prayers and support over the last 8 months. A special thanks to North Idaho Advanced Care Hospital for the excellent care and support. Donations for the memorial fund can be made to Banner Bank on Nob Hill Boulevard under Vern and/or Terry Holbrook. Vern… You Outsold Them All!!

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 30, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Keith & Keith Funeral Home. A Funeral service will be held Friday, January 31, 2014 at Stone Church, 3300 Englewood Ave. Yakima at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Terrace Heights Memorial Park.

Arrangements under the direction of Keith & Keith Funeral Home, Yakima, WA.