Verne Witham Obituary

Verne and I became very good friends when I was a Senior in High School and he had just returned from serving in the Navy. He and I and several other Manitou boys started a Hot Rod Club. He taught me SO much and was a great friend to me. He went so far as to have the Hot Rod Club sponsor a farewell dance at Memorial Hall in Manitou, in my honor, when I enlisted in the Military. On the most recent occasion that I saw him, he told me if you ever need anything just give me a call. Verne will be greatly missed and I want to let Judy and the family know that I am SO sorry for their loss!! You are in my thoughts and prayers.

-Dick Bush

Chief Witham was my mentor and friend who will truly be missed by many and my condolences go out to his family. I spent 22 years as an Army Fire Fighter and I will always treasure the 5 years Verne was my Fire Chief. Former 83rd Engineer Det NCOIC, Tony Taylor

We have so many wonderful memories of Verne coming into our restaurant in Manitou Springs. What fun it was, truly the best of times. He was a great friend and we loved him dearly. Please accept our deepest condolences, Judy, Kelly, Brad and family. Joe and Grace Doss ( Joe's Corral) Mike Doss ( Wichita, KS.)

I loved that man, what a loss for us all. Dry wit, and a huge heart. I have so many great memories of the whole Witham family, many great meals and time just hanging out. My prayers to you all.

Tim Casey

As a young Army officer stationed at the Fort Carson Hospital, I watched one summer day as a group of Ft. Carson firefighters were practicing for an upcoming muster. I approached the man in charge and began to chat. Little did I know then that meeting Chief Witham that day would result in my pursuing a career in the fire service myself. I worked for Dobie, as we called him, for 2 ½ years, before testing for and being accepted by the Colorado Springs FD. Those 2 ½ years were some of the most fun and rewarding times in my fire service career. The characters on the job then included Jerry Lee, Roger Belisle, Kelly Cumbie, Don Skalsky, Jeff Grabowski, Don Sittner and many others.

Dobie’s passion was the fire service and he was the consummate chief. I am so very proud and happy to have called him friend. We will all miss his smiling presence and incredible energy. My sincere condolences to Judy, Kelly, Pete and Brad. I know you will think of him every day and want you to know that he was a man who made a difference in this world and left it a better place for having been here.

Worked for Chief, 15 years out a Carson. Have some great memories.. He was always good to me and my family. Went to the service and it was amazing and very touching.
We will miss you Chief.

I did not personally know Chief Witham, but I do know the risks firefighters take, and that which Chief Witham took, so that others may live. My prayers are with Chief Verne Witham and his family; may he rest in peace.

Chief Witham was not only a great fire chief he was a true friend and father figure to me. Giving me that chance over thirty five years ago to work for him, he opened so many doors for my future. Even after leaving Fort Carson Fire Dept. he and I would talk about the families and when would we get together next. He would always make that extra effort to see what part of the country I was going to be in so we could get together. Every time we talked or got together it was just like yesterday that we had talked or seen each other. I feel so privileged that over the last couple of months that we had communicated as much as we did. I feel it was just fate that he recently hooked me back up with Frank Carter. Chief always had that foresight of things to come and I think he knew that the Lord was going to be ringing that fire bell and needed his expertise. I will forever miss him. RIP "CHIEF" and my condolences to the Judy and the family.

Our thoughts and heart felt condolences go out to the entire Witham family. He was a true community spirit and dedicated so much of his life to make our little community a great place to live. Thanks for the dedication Mr Witham. You will be deeply missed by all.

My deepest sympathy for your loss. May your memories ease the sorrow and your love keep him close and in your hearts forever. Verne was a great man and because of his caring and compassion he will live on in the hearts of the people that were fortunate enough to know him. He truly will be missed. My sincere condolences.

Well "Pops", I don't know what to say. I guess the most important thing is thank you. Thank you for all of the wisdom and guidance you have continually given me, literally my entire life! I always looked up to you and will continue to do so. I sure don't know where, or what kind of person I'd be today without you grabbing me by the ear for the last 25 years! So, THANK YOU Chief, for everything you've done for me & my family, both personally and professionally. You have touched so many lives and will be missed by them all.

All my Love to the family ...

Ashley Brooks

Mr. Manitou, no one will wear that hat quite like Verne did. Cancer is a rotten and ugly disease – we all hate it. Judy we have no idea what you all have been through but it is important for you to know that you have been in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Verne was in the life saving business and many owe him much gratitude and thanks. Just as he brought safety and comfort to others we pray that you will feel the love, comfort and safety of our precious Lord and that he will give you hope and reason to face the days, weeks, and months to come. Kelly and Brad – how can we ever say goodbye to our parents? This side if heaven we will never understand death. Hold fast to the memories and the love that you shared together as a family - something that no one can take from you. Our love and prayers continue to be with you. Please know how deeply we care. Quinetta & Mike, Julie & Dave, Bob & Ronny

Verne was my Fire Chief at Fort Carson for over 20 years and he made sure we were the best Fire Dept. that the Army had to offer. He loved his job, demanded perfection, but yet made sure we had fun while doing it. He made us want to be great at our jobs, but enjoy life. Our sympathy goes out to Judy, Kelly, Brad, Pete and the family.

Dave and Lynn Broden

Verne impacted my life, no doubt it. As a 20y/o Soldier, stationed at Ft Carson, Verne offered me a chance to be a firefighter. If not for that chance, who knows. He instilled fun and family into the fire service. He set the bar that challenged me; he was the standard I strived to achieve. Thanks Buddy!

It is said that 5 people you meet in life direct your course in a significant way. As a young Fire Captain in 1986 I had the good fortune to meet such a man as you who befriended and mentored me as I rose through the ranks myself. If not for you my career course would have been much different I am sure. We shared many a good time over these many years my friend and I will miss our weekly conversations. Even firemen have heroes and you Verne were mine.

Verne, my memories of you will always be of the way your eyes lit-up when talking about your wife, son and daughters, but, especially your granddaughters and how proud and fortunate you were to have them as family.

I truly had such a great time with you at the girl’s basketball games and believe you will still be at every single event involving your granddaughters. I will save a spot for you at the high school basketball games and know I will still hear your strident encouragement of Riley and especially of the officials to “make the call!” .

Brother Verne,

We will truly miss your leadership and managerial skills, but I know that God has another job for you in our eternal home in heaven. Rest in peace, Brother. Billy Shelton, Fredericksburg, Va.

It was a privilege to know and work with Verne. He brought the Department of the Army's Fire Departments into the 20th century. He was a real professional firefighter and fire chief. Please except my condolences, to the entire family.

Chief Witham was a true mentor in the fire service. My condolences to his family.

Verne, you were the best freind I ever had. You took me under your wings and showed me how to be a great firefighter and Asst. Fire Chief. God Bless you Verne. Larry B. Dietsche, Retired SHVFD

Verne was one of these people who you can't say enough about; we go back along ways-- not only in Manitou Springs but the West Side of Colo. Springs. When Verne served on the school board in Manitou and I was associated with the schools; we became good friends. Norm had many business dealings with Verne and again he was held with highest respect. Please accept our deepest condolences, Judy, Kelly, Brad and the family. Our lost here on earth is great; however the gain in heaven is much greater.
Norm and Luana Clark Sun City, AZ

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE WITHAM FAMILY.
RIP VERNE
CHARLES & MONIKA REED

Vern, it's been many years since we last spoke. I can remember the drill team events like they were yesterday. I've always had a great respect for you and what you've accomplished in the fire service. May you rest in peace.

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered "come to me." With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. Our hearts are broken but we know, God took one of the best.

Uncle Vern was a great man, and a wonderful Uncle. He will be greatly missed by all!

With love, Debbie

Chief Witham is one of the people that I looked up to at the Manitou Springs Fire Department. He always had a kind word and he will be missed. My sincere condolances to the Witham family.

Chief Witham was a man that I was glad to call my friend. I will always honor his memory. What an asset to the fire service. His loss will be felt through out the departments.

Vern was a good chief worked with him for 27 years at MSVFD,
his acomplishments were many, knew how to get things done, he cotributed a lot to the community. Will be greatly missed. Thank you vern for your contribution to the people of Manitou. Ken & Peggie Yager

Vern was a long time friend, spent 28 years in MSVFD working with him, he knew how to get things done to the highest standards, he was a pefectioist, his acommplishments were many, contributed a lot to the community, he will be greatly missed. Ken & Peggie

An icon of the Federal Fire Service, a charismatic personality that was infectious and my 1st Fire Chief. My prayers are with your family – Thanks for your leadership Chief!

Chief Witham was a friend and mentor to me during my fire service career. Even though there were times we butted heads and did not agree, in the end he had a way that you could not stay mad at him. I know that many of the ways I led as a Fire Chief were due to his training and influences. To the Witham family, I know this is a great loss and Verne will be greatly missed. However we also know he is in a better place with the Lord and no longer suffering.
Bob Kittridge, Colorado Springs, CO

Dear Witham Family,

We are very sad for your loss. Our love and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. We will miss Verne, he was a true friend.

The Skalsky Family

Chief Witham's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. I had the pleasue of knowing and working with Verne for over 35 years. He had the greatest sense of humor.I was very honored when Verne bestowed upon me the title of Honorary Fire Chief. To me Chief Witham was the Chief of Chiefs My deepest sympathy goes out to Judy, and Verne's entire family. Take comfort in knowing that his battle with cancer is over, but his new life with Our Lord has just begun. Don Fuhrman

Chief Witham was a great inspiration to many in the community and I have some very fond memories of our relationship at Fort Carson Fire Department. He will truly be missed by many and my condolences to Judy,Kelly and Brad. I will truly miss him. RIP Chief Witham
Todd Kueker (Mickey Finn)

Chief Witham, affectionatley known as Doby, was a great man and an inspiration to many of us in the Fire Service, his Commitment and Love for his Family, Career, and his Community shined brightly. Someone said, that if Heaven has a Fire Department you can rest assured, hes poloticing, and I agree, putting on his charm and carisma, with pipe in hand. My condolences go out to his Beloved Wife Judy, Kelly, and Brad and his loving grandchildren and family members. He will truly be missed. Rest in Peace Doby, your friend Randy Stagner ( Ft Myers Florida )

Verne was a joy to work with on every possible level. Verne had a wonderful, humorous side and was always a man of his word. Well-respected across our community, my family and I will truly miss him.

Eric H. Drummond, former Mayor Manitou Springs, Colorado

Verne was a very well respected Chief of the Fort Carson Fire Department for many years, prior to retiring from Civil Service. His sense of humor, laugh and bright smile will be missed.

Rest in Peace, Verne.

Verne will be missed but will continue to have an impact on the Army Fire Service for years to come - My love to his family!!
Your friend - Danny