Vernon Zickefoose

Vernon Rodney Zickefoose, of Billings, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2015 in the home he built in 1977. He was affectionately known to family and friends as VR, Zig and Ziggy. VR, being the first of four boys born to Vernon George Zickefoose and Ina Jeanette Thayer, began life October 25, 1942 in Cody, Wyoming. He lived with his family on Red Lodge Creek, attending the old Jackson School until age ten before moving to the Lockwood area. During the summers, VR and his shadow, little brother Giles, worked wherever needed for the Lockwood Finley families. During this time he took an interest in carpentry and eventually went on to build several homes over the ensuing years. After graduating from Billings Senior High in 1960, VR served his country and community with great pride by joining the Montana National Guard. During the past several years, VR served on the VFW honor guard, helping to thank and send off over 100 veterans with full military honors. While living in Denver, CO in the 70's, VR found work in the banking industry where he met his future wife, Lauretta Adams. With this union VR gained an instant family of three boys (12, 11, and 7) – Tracy (Michele) of Kirkland, WA, Greg (Elena) of Rockville, MD, and Jon of Shelby, MT. He has five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. VR is survived by brothers Giles (Cleo) and Bobbie (Stella) of Billings, MT, Gary (Gail) of Salem, OR, and half-brother Jack (Sandra) of Hyannis, NE. In 1976, VR moved the family from Golden, CO to Laurel, MT and then to Billings in 1977 after building the family home. Not long after he formed a partnership with Gary Forrester and began working in the drywall business – a relationship that lasted over thirty years. For more than fifty years VR was also a big part of the Griffith family – Tom, Eleanor, Sharon, Bernie, Michael and Myra. He was loved like a son and a big brother, and was always a kind, caring and helpful friend to the family. VR's loyalty and commitment on family projects in Montana, Washington and Alaska was always thoughtful and helpful. Although VR believed in “tough love” he really was a big softie at heart who couldn't say no to someone in need, even if it meant going into debt himself. He was fond of saying, “charity begins at home.” And for VR, home meant everyone who crossed his path. There are many who have been helped by VR in one way or another and made the better for it. VR was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Lauretta, in 2005, and both parents. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. VR will be greatly missed by all, and we can only hope that wherever VR may be, a pup or two will be at his side. A potluck Celebration of Ziggy will be held at 5pm, Oct. 23rd at the VFW in the heights.