Sending my deepest condolences to my family in Canada. I will always cherish the memories I have of my sweet, kind, and loving uncle. He was the best human. He will be missed.

I am deeply saddened to know that Vernon is gone and my thoughts are with Leigh and all of his family. Vernon Aquart was a brilliant man, full of love and humour. As his many incredible paintings show, his family was his home. I am also reminded of his witty writing, whether it was his Artist Statement or his stories. I think Vernon loved and tried to understand humanity.

His world was larger than I will ever know, and I didn't see much of Vernon in later years. Yet I always felt he was a brother to me, and not just a relation. That was to his credit - not mine. I can only imagine the grief that is taking over his whole family. I hope that in time, only their wonderful memories of Vernon, a truly great human being will remain.

To my Uncle’s children and grand children, I deeply feel your loss. He was my amazing Uncle who could do everything. I remember being in awe of him for a long time. As a kid looking at him create his art and sculptures in my eyes he was a genius.

Later as a young adult. In University he helped me understand all the gibberish I could not comprehend.

Again my genius Uncle who knew everything.

Uncle you were also quite hilarious. There are so many memories.

Now you are at peace with Mom, Jen, uncle Trevor

Grandma and Grandpa. Until we meet again, please

Keep watching over us all.

I will you. You will always be in my heart! I love you

When you guys moved out West so long ago, I think that was the last time I saw Vernon. But Vernon was the kind of person you only had to meet once. One handshake, one small exchange of words, one wave, and you would remember him forever - he was that kind of person, so gentle, so unassuming and yet somehow a very strong and sturdy presence…an unforgettable presence that remained with you in your thoughts as a person to emulate, to look up to, to trust, and to remember. It’s so hard to think that he is gone. How very sad for you, Maia, for your family, and of course for your mother. I wish you all a gentle passage of time, and I hope the happy memories of having him as a dad, a grandpa, an uncle, a father-in-law, a brother, a true friend, and so much more, live with you all forever. Much love and peace, Anna.

My beautiful dad. The kindest, gentlest soul. Hilarious, or so he thought. Walking encyclopedia. Artist and writer. Creative. Intellectual. Loved his family fiercely and unfailingly. Gave us his time so generously and eagerly you’d think he had an endless amount of it. Thank you, Dad. I love you so much.