Robert J. “Bob” Lane, a cherished pillar of the Yoncalla community, passed away peacefully on Feb. 4, 2024, in Springfield, Oregon, just weeks before his 93rd birthday. Born on Feb.
Vernon Landreth’s Santa persona began to develop in the late 1990s. He is shown here in 1998 with some of his grandchildren.
The couple retired from ministry in 2000 and moved back near Boise, close to their grandchildren.
And Vernon’s beard began to gray.
“When you get around 60 or so, your beard starts getting white. And people were just starting to call him Santa Claus,” Ellen said.
She made Vernon his first Santa suit, and he started making appearances in the church and community.
“It just went from there,” Ellen said.
The couple began charging for their services, realizing it could help offset some of their expenses in retirement. But they’ve never lost sight of the meaning of Christmas.