Vernon H. Estey, 90, a third generation native and life-long resident of Benician, passed away Saturday in a local hospital following a brief illness. Vern served in the United States Army during World War II, from 1941-1946. Vern returned to Benicia and opened his own real estate office, Estey Real Estate, in 1946 with his wife Frances.
The office has operated continuously for 64 years and is owned today by their daughter, Candice Estey Swanson. As a descendant of one of Benicia’s early families, he knew Benicia history and very few stories escaped him.
He was a life-time member of the Solano Association of Realtors, an active member of the Rotary Club of Benicia, Benicia Yacht Club, Masonic Lodge and was past president of the Benicia Kiwanis Club. He also served as business manager for the Benicia Unified School District for three years and helped acquire the land for Mary Farmar School.
Vern is survived by his wife of 67 years, Fran; daughters, Pam Estey (Gary) Toombs of Turlock, Candi Estey (Tom) Swanson of Benicia and Debbie Estey (Lon) McAnally of Prescott, Ariz.; grandchildren, Dan Toombs, Tracee Storms, Kelly Rich, Jill Hoglund, Jeff McAnally, Sarah Murphy and Joe McAnally; and 11 great grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 15 at the Benicia Yacht Club, 400 East Second St., Benicia. Burial in the Benicia Cemetery will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Benicia Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 421, Benicia, CA 94510, where all the proceeds stay in Benicia, or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Passalacqua Funeral Chapel.
The office has operated continuously for 64 years and is owned today by their daughter, Candice Estey Swanson. As a descendant of one of Benicia’s early families, he knew Benicia history and very few stories escaped him.
He was a life-time member of the Solano Association of Realtors, an active member of the Rotary Club of Benicia, Benicia Yacht Club, Masonic Lodge and was past president of the Benicia Kiwanis Club. He also served as business manager for the Benicia Unified School District for three years and helped acquire the land for Mary Farmar School.
Vern is survived by his wife of 67 years, Fran; daughters, Pam Estey (Gary) Toombs of Turlock, Candi Estey (Tom) Swanson of Benicia and Debbie Estey (Lon) McAnally of Prescott, Ariz.; grandchildren, Dan Toombs, Tracee Storms, Kelly Rich, Jill Hoglund, Jeff McAnally, Sarah Murphy and Joe McAnally; and 11 great grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 15 at the Benicia Yacht Club, 400 East Second St., Benicia. Burial in the Benicia Cemetery will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Benicia Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 421, Benicia, CA 94510, where all the proceeds stay in Benicia, or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Passalacqua Funeral Chapel.
