Vern passed away after a short illness, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marlene, daughters Caren McFarland (Hector) and Wendy Noboa (Luis), granddaughters Chelsea and Delaney McFarland and Erica Noboa.

Vern was born to Ned and Winifred Gardner in San Diego, California. Raised in a career Navy family, he traveled to, and lived in many places. He actually lived in Oahu, Hawaii when Pearl Harbor was attacked in 1941.

He joined the Navy himself after graduating from Pacific Grove High School in 1958. After serving on the U.S.S. Hornet, he joined the Seaside Police Department in 1964. It was a very dangerous time to be a cop. He worked in Seaside for 15 years where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant. In 1979, he left Seaside Police Department to join Gilroy Police Department as Commander. In 1992, Vern survived being shot while on duty. Two years later, he retired as Assistant Chief of Police of Gilroy.

All of his life, Vern was an athlete. He played football in high school and basketball into his sixties. He also loved to ride his motorcycle.

After retirement, he enjoyed spending time walking his dogs, caring for his grandchildren, and working out with his buddies at the gym every day. He, Marlene and their dogs also loved to spend their summers at their house in Waldport, Oregon.

At his request, there will be no services. Because of this, his children and grandchildren would like to share some personal insight.

Caren – Dad always let me know that I was loved and safe. One of the greatest gifts he gave me was following his example of what you gain in your life when you learn to respect and accept people who are different from yourself. I'm glad he teased me so much as a child because it gave me a thick skin and a love for sarcasm! I'm thankful that my parents taught me to love and respect animals, it has brought me so much joy. I love you Dad, and I always will!

Wendy – My Dad, my rock, my hero. You showed me how to be a realist and an optimist at the same time. You gave me my sense of humor and you and Mom both gave me my love for animals. You taught all of your girls (children and grandchildren) how to be safe, walk tall, don't be a victim. You gave my sister and me rides on your shoulders (6ft 4in in the air) and rides on your boots, then you did the same for our children. You let us put curlers in your hair and tickled us until we couldn't breathe. You were loved and respected by many. This earth is a better place because of you. I will love you forever, Dad.

Chelsea – I remember Poppi flying Delaney and I through the living room dressed in our fairy wings. I loved our Chinese food lunch date before going to the shooting range. I only heard him use his "cop voice" once, and then I learned. Poppi, I will miss you and love you forever.

Delaney – Poppi was the best grandfather in so many ways. Sometimes after we would go and feed carrots to some local horses, he would call out to the horses using our names. "Chelsea!!! Laney!!!! What are you doing in there??" It would make us laugh so hard. Poppi was always in such a good mood, laughing and joking, so easy to be around. I am going to miss those times so much, but I know I will meet him again in Heaven one day.

Erica – Growing up in Gilroy, I felt like I had a celebrity for a grandfather. Everyone respected you as the former Assistant Chief of Police, but adored you as the loving goofball you've always been. Thank you for showing me how to break out of the trunk of a car in a 7/11 parking lot, locking me in a jail cell for fun and being my dog-loving hero. I remember telling my friends when I was little how cool you were because you survived being shot in the line of duty before I was born. But now, I'm so grateful I got to have you in my life. Words cannot express how much I'm going to miss you. You have always had the biggest heart for your girls, and we love you so dearly. Forever and always.