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In the passing of Harley Vail on Friday, November 28th, the Mexico Missionary Fellowship lost a pioneer, co-worker, and very dear friend. In the following memorial, we remember this man who, at 93 years old, was cheery and joking to the end.

Harley W. Vail was born in Brewster, Kansas in 1915. His family later moved to Nampa, Idaho, where he lived until leaving home to serve in the US Army during World War II. Following the war, Harley attended Bible School at Southern California Bible College and felt the call to Mexico, becoming the first appointed missionary to Mexico for the Assemblies of God.

After thirty years of dedication to the people of Yucatan, Mexico, Harley married Jean Durland of Lyons, Oregon. They were then appointed as missionaries to Nicaragua for five years and held various other assignments in Mexico until retirement. Eventually they settled in Oregon, where he lived his final years in Redmond and Bend, making many new friends.

Known for his humor and always having a joke to tell, Harley’s hobbies included table tennis and then pool as he aged. He loved church hymns and playing his accordion, which he had used for many years in Mexico. He participated in Bible Studies at Harmony House Retirement Center where he was a resident.

Harley is survived by his wife Jean Durland Vail, son Toney Vail of Sacramento, California, sister Lois McWaters of Twin Falls, Idaho, and brother Virgil Vail of Sunriver, Oregon.