Vernon E. Garrison, 75, Minot passed away May 27, 2016 in a Minot hospital.

Vern was born October 20, 1940, in Minot to Thomas D. and Carrie B. (Tomchic) Garrison. He was reared and educated there and called Minot his home for nearly all of his life.

An entrepreneur, Vern was well known in the Minot area through his work in broadcast news and sales, real estate and automotive sales. He owned a used car lot, "Vehicle Liquidators" for many years, sold window air conditioners in Texas, "Vern Knows A/C\'s", as well as North Hill grocery and a motel.

He worked in the real estate field, purchasing distressed and foreclosed properties and renovating them. At one point, he owned more than 100 buildings and apartments in the greater Minot area. He was also an event promoter, bringing entertainment such as the "Battle of the Bands", "Super Dance-A-Rama" and The Harlem Globetrotters to Minot.

Through the years, Vern belonged to various civic organizations. He earned the Minot Chamber of Commerce\'s Beautification Award for restoring and renovating several buildings in and around Broadway in Minot.

In 1960, he married Judith Conlon in Grafton, ND . They became parents of three daughters: Dawnessa, Doralyne and Daphne.

In recent years, he was a well-known morning regular at Schatz\'s Truck Stop, visiting with friends and acquaintances, discussing events, politics and any topic that happened to come up in conversation. His Saturdays were usually spent at the Minot or Mandan car auctions. He was also a believer in offering a helping hand, often quietly assisting those in need. He was a mentor to some, confidant to others and a source of advice in many things personal and professional.

He will be missed by his daughter, Dawnessa Garrison-Smart, Bismarck; grandson, Nash Smart, Spokane, WA.; sister, Karen Woolard, Minot; niece, Stephanie Woolard Gregg, Berthoud, Colorado, and the many friends he made and helped during his journey through life.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two daughters, Doralyne and Daphne.

Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, June 27, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Booksigning: Sunday, June 26, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.