In Loving Memory

Verle Llewellyn Gotham, a lifetime resident of Colville, passed away on March 11, 2025, in Colville at the age of 94.  Verle was born in Colville on November 18, 1930, the son of L.E. "Pete" and Ruth Ann Noah Gotham.  He and his twin brother, Merle, were reared in the South Basin at Blue Point.  They attended school in Colville and were 1948 graduates of Colville High School.  The twins spent two years in Alaska working on the construction of the Al-Can Highway.  Merle and Verle enlisted in the United States Air Force and spent six years traveling with the military to Alaska, Newfoundland, Tennessee, California and Labrador.  They were honorably discharged and returned to Colville.  In 1955 the brothers opened the Gotham Bros. Conoco and Bulk Plant.  A week later, Verle and Merle married sisters Helen and Loretta A. Hirsch in a double wedding in Colville.  The brothers changed professions in 1970 to follow in their father's footsteps.  For 36 years, Merle and Verle worked in the real estate industry.  They progressed from Beardslee Realty to E.R.A. and then opened V&M Realty.  After the passing of brother Merle, Verle continued working in the industry until the age of 90.  Once officially retired, he continued to go to his office daily to gossip with his friends in their coffee clutch.

Never one to sit idle, Verle loved the water and especially skiing and boating and even jet skiing!  He spent many hours at his Lake Heritage place.  In the winter months he could be found riding his snow mobile while being well into his 80's!  Verle had a big heart.  He would help ANYBODY.  Verle was a giving individual – a giver to a fault.

He will be missed for his stories that he frequently shared and his good wisdom.  Having been in business for over 60 years on Main Street, Verle was known for being a prominent Colville Historian.

In keeping with his wishes – "I don't want a god damned funeral!" –a private family burial is planned.  Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory has been entrusted with his care and arrangements.