Veteran's Cemetery recognizes Volunteer of the Year

MEDICAL LAKE – Sometimes heartache can open doors to opportunity as experienced by 81-year-old Vern Lightbody.

Recently, Lightbody’s efforts were recognized when he was presented with the Volunteer of the Year Award by the Washington State Veteran’s Cemetery.

Lightbody said he has always led with his heart and tried to help people in any capacity he could.

When his wife passed away five years ago, he focused his efforts on helping around the cemetery.

“Her resting place is here,” Lightbody said, “I simply went in and asked how I could help.”

Veterans Cemetery Director Rudy Lopez said Lightbody...