Colby Vernay,  1943-2024

Colby Vernay, 80, passed away on February 18 near his home in Lacon IL.

After graduating from Northwestern University, Colby served in the Army in Texas and worked as a stockbroker in Chicago. When his father died in the early 1970s, he returned home to Lacon to take care of his mother and the family farm business.

Besides bridge, Colby loved dogs, sports and especially basketball. For decades, he served as a volunteer coach at small schools in the Peoria area. In 2003, he was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame as a Friend of Basketball.

Colby was the leading masterpoint holder in downstate Illinois with more than 22,700 points. He had a long career of tournament successes, highlighted by three wins (2001, 2002 and 2011) in the World Bridge Production Pairs in Las Vegas with partner Barry Schaffer of Frisco TX.

Schaffer said his partnership with Colby began more than 50 years ago. “Colby was the best player in the Peoria area and I was young and very inexperienced. I have him to thank for teaching me the game and making me the player I am today.”

Colby was a bridge partner, team-mate and friend whom I always looked forward to seeing at tournaments. Under his sometimes-gruff exterior, he had a soft side and a dry sense of humor that endeared him to those who knew him best. “CKV” will be forever remembered and deeply missed.

    - Karen Walker