Obituary for Vernon King Flaherty
Vernon King Flaherty
June 29,1928 – January 20, 2022
With sadness and gratitude for a life well lived we would like to announce the passing of Vernon Flaherty who shared a lifetime with his wife Gladys (nee Glover). Vernon owned and ran the Strand Theatre in Beaverton from 1955 until the building was sold in 2018. He began earlier still, in 1948, with his brother Brian (Margaret Will) at a previously existing theatre on Simcoe St. in Beaverton. The business was successful enough to allow the construction of the “new” Strand Theatre in 1955. That adds up to 69 years as a theatre owner/projectionist.
It was his life’s work and he maintained the building with loving care and took on many challenges presented over the years, including Hurricane Hazel which occurred during construction and involved some clean up and back to work. Many in Beaverton will remember him collecting tickets at the front doors before zipping up to the projection room and getting the show on the road, usually with a few cartoons to warm things up.
Vernon served in the Royal Canadian Air Force Marine Squadrons during World War II in Nova Scotia and was a member of the RCAF Association 429 Wing. He was also a long-term member of the Beaverton Legion, Branch 135. Vernon was also for many years a member of the National Geographic Society and a devoted world traveller. In the late fifties Vernon and Gladys took a Volkswagen from Beaverton to Mexico City on a little tour. His mom and aunt were in the back seat. On the return he thought they should have a look at Los Angeles to see how things were going in the film business. That was quite a drive.
He enjoyed any adventure that involved sailing and spent many enjoyable hours on the water in various parts of the world. The high seas on a tall ship in the Caribbean, a sail voyage in Tahiti and a New Zealand trip come to mind. Lake Simcoe also saw several of Vernon and Gladys’ boats over the years.
Numerous trips to Hawaii to visit Jean and George Fike on their coffee farm on the big island were enjoyed and allowed the opportunity to help with the harvest. Well into their eighties they marched in a parade during the Kona Coffee Festival in Hilo, Hawaii with coffee producers from the area. They fitted right in with hundreds involved.
Rest in Peace Vernon. You will sorely be missed by many and remembered fondly for much good advice, great humour and caring assistance. We would like give thanks to the outstanding staff of Lakeview Manor in Beaverton. The best of care by the best people.
Due to COVID restrictions, a private service will be held with interment at Stone Church Cemetery, Beaverton.
If so desired memorial donations in memory of Vernon to the RCAF Association-Wing 429 or the Beaverton Legion branch #135 would be greatly appreciated by the family. Online condolences are welcome at manganfuneralhome.com
June 29,1928 – January 20, 2022
With sadness and gratitude for a life well lived we would like to announce the passing of Vernon Flaherty who shared a lifetime with his wife Gladys (nee Glover). Vernon owned and ran the Strand Theatre in Beaverton from 1955 until the building was sold in 2018. He began earlier still, in 1948, with his brother Brian (Margaret Will) at a previously existing theatre on Simcoe St. in Beaverton. The business was successful enough to allow the construction of the “new” Strand Theatre in 1955. That adds up to 69 years as a theatre owner/projectionist.
It was his life’s work and he maintained the building with loving care and took on many challenges presented over the years, including Hurricane Hazel which occurred during construction and involved some clean up and back to work. Many in Beaverton will remember him collecting tickets at the front doors before zipping up to the projection room and getting the show on the road, usually with a few cartoons to warm things up.
Vernon served in the Royal Canadian Air Force Marine Squadrons during World War II in Nova Scotia and was a member of the RCAF Association 429 Wing. He was also a long-term member of the Beaverton Legion, Branch 135. Vernon was also for many years a member of the National Geographic Society and a devoted world traveller. In the late fifties Vernon and Gladys took a Volkswagen from Beaverton to Mexico City on a little tour. His mom and aunt were in the back seat. On the return he thought they should have a look at Los Angeles to see how things were going in the film business. That was quite a drive.
He enjoyed any adventure that involved sailing and spent many enjoyable hours on the water in various parts of the world. The high seas on a tall ship in the Caribbean, a sail voyage in Tahiti and a New Zealand trip come to mind. Lake Simcoe also saw several of Vernon and Gladys’ boats over the years.
Numerous trips to Hawaii to visit Jean and George Fike on their coffee farm on the big island were enjoyed and allowed the opportunity to help with the harvest. Well into their eighties they marched in a parade during the Kona Coffee Festival in Hilo, Hawaii with coffee producers from the area. They fitted right in with hundreds involved.
Rest in Peace Vernon. You will sorely be missed by many and remembered fondly for much good advice, great humour and caring assistance. We would like give thanks to the outstanding staff of Lakeview Manor in Beaverton. The best of care by the best people.
Due to COVID restrictions, a private service will be held with interment at Stone Church Cemetery, Beaverton.
If so desired memorial donations in memory of Vernon to the RCAF Association-Wing 429 or the Beaverton Legion branch #135 would be greatly appreciated by the family. Online condolences are welcome at manganfuneralhome.com