Vern South, who was Hopkins High School Principal from 1961 to 1963 while the school’s mascot changed from Blue Devils to Vikings, died Saturday, Aug. 18, He was 87.

After graduating from Hope College, Vern taught high school in both Reading and Hopkins, where he became principal. He then moved to Muskegon Heights, where he served in school administration, and finally to Lansing where he was an educational consultant for the State of Michigan. After he retired, he went to Hart, where he directed the Migrant Education program.

He was preceded in death eight days earlier by his wife of 67 years, Florraine South.

He is survived by his children, Debra (John) Whelan, Holly (Tom) Smith, Lisa (Norm) Prince, and Dave (Jodi) South; grandchildren John (Angie) Whelan, Amy (Teddie) Thompson, Jake (Erin) Whelan, Jordan (Emily) Whelan, Joel Smith, Alyse Smith, Steve Smith, Krysta DeVries, Levi Smith, Kristy (Levi) Grundner, Stacy (Otavio) Rovai, Ben South, Stacy Allen, Joey (Cait) South, Rachel South; great-grandchildren Mason, Parker, Anya, Hayden, Laynee, Liam, Grady, Mady, Declan, Jemma; sisters-in-law Esther (Paul) Walker, Vera McClendon; brothers-in-law, Dennis (Mary) DeWitt, Bill Boelkins; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation with the family will be held from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, Aug. 23, at Resurrection Life Church, 5100 Ivanrest, S.W, Grandville. Memorial services will be held immediately afterward Thursday. Pastor Tom Smith will be officiating.

In honor of Vern and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.