Upton, Verne Lewis, 82,passed peacefully from this life August 15, 06 after suffering a stroke. A native of Nebraska, Verne attended the U. of N. when WWII interrupted his education and he enlisted as a naval aviator in the VS-871 squadron. His flight training took him to Florida, Texas, and Washington, D.C. where he met and married his first wife, Audrey, deceased '94. After the war they settled in St. Paul, MN and began their family with daughters, Nancy, 59, and Carolsue, 57. Verne worked as a jeweler at Montgomery Ward when the Navy recalled him for the Korean War. The family was moved to Long Beach and then San Diego, North Island, where he served on the carrier, USS Princeton as a Lt., in the ASW torpedo bomber VS-37 squadron. Following the war, the family returned to Long Beach and Verne began a 31-year career with the Maytag Co. In retirement, he married loving wife Willie Greely, who is an employee at the Balboa Bay Club. They enjoyed assisting with the club's many member events; loved golfing, dancing and traveling the world. Verne was an avid golfer, runner and hunter and also enjoyed breakfast with his friends, The ROMEO's (retired old men eating out). Verne was a superb gardener, whose tomatoes were the best in the West. He is survived by adoring wife Willie; daughters, Nancy (Jim) Kenney and Carolsue (Bruce) Dummit; stepsons, Gavin (Kristin) and Guy (Karen) Greely; grandchildren, Jay, Melissa (Noel), Christopher, Jamie, and Kayla; triplet great grandchildren, Taylor, Kendall and Chloe; sister, Jean (Bill) Behrends; brothers, Bill (Betty), Bob (Bonny); extended family and friends who bid "Sugar Uncle One"...a fair wind and a following sea. Services, Tuesday, August 22, at 10:30 am, St. Andrews Presbyterian Chapel, 600 St Andrews Rd, Newport Beach (949-631-2880). Interment following at Riverside National Cemetery, 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, send donations to The 1221 Scholarship Fund, Balboa Bay Club 1221 PCH, Newport Beach, 92663, in memory of Verne Upton.