Vaughn Ray Walton, 61
Vaughn Ray Walton, 61, most beloved and treasured father, grandfather and husband left us on Jan. 9, 2011, to be with God and his angels. Vaughn was born in Wolf Point, Mont., and grew up on his parent's ranch in McCone County.
He rode horseback to one-room schools for his elementary education, attended schools in Frazier, Wolf Point and Nashua where he graduated. He continued his education with courses in Fire Sciences. After high school Vaughn enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp, after discharge lived in Kalispell for a few months, got married to his first wife Paty, became a father to son Joseph, became a firefighter at Glasgow AFB, after a few years moved his family to Coeur d'Alene to work at the job he absolutely loved - Coeur d'Alene Firefighter - where he stayed until his retirement on Dec. 27, 2002.
He said "my life is the dream of many young boys." He was a cowboy and loved his horses and time with his parents on the ranch. He was in both Montana and Idaho National Guard. He loved the challenges, loved learning and practicing with explosives, weapons and summer training in the Boise desert. He trained and did triathlons because they were more challenging than fun runs. He swam across Lake Coeur d'Alene because his mom swam across the Missouri River.
Vaughn enjoyed time spent with family and friends playing cards, fun runs, murder mysteries, most games especially dominoes, especially not Pictionary, Silverwood and the Kroc Center, reading, movies and SciFi. He loved to travel enjoying beaches on the Texas coast, Florida and Vancouver Island where he would wander along collecting seashells and looking for precious gems.
He treasured the trips with the kids, Texas, Disney World, his Montana ranch or National Parks. He loved annual visits with sister Sandy and family on Vancouver Island, watching eagles, whales and skydivers. He would get away to his ranch in Montana as often as possible which dwindled when he became MacKenzie's most loved Daddy. He loved everything about his new daughter and relished his retirement job of Mr. Mom. He volunteered at her school for reading and playground so he could watch and comfort her when needed. Helped her with homework, reminded her often he was second place in his school spelling bee.
He enjoyed his neighborhood, neighbors and doing yard renovations with his bobcat. He smiled a lot and tried to find humor in almost everything. He truly enjoyed living life to the fullest and spent as much time as possible with his family. He never tired of trying new things, hang gliding, skydiving, scuba diving, Segway riding, skiing or juggling with sticks. He was to us, a man of honor, decency and commitment; strong and brave; good and kind = a most beautiful person. We will love and miss him forever.
Vaughn was preceded in death by his father, John E. Walton and mother Ethel G. (McKinney) Walton of McCone County, Mont.
Vaughn is survived by his wife, Paty; son Joseph; daughter MacKenzie and grandson Christopher; siblings, John J. (Maureen), Sandy Jaycox, Donna Tyson (Wayne), Fred (Faye) and Debbie (Jack) Hinnaland; in-laws, the Sampsons M-I-L Kitty, Pat, Tim (Shelly), Lorrie (Karen), Gail (Marty) Owens; many nieces and nephews including his favorites, Leah, Shannon, Christy, Eva, Lisa, Happy, Echo, Sable, Gavin, Brandi, Angie, Kim and Scott; Lacie Lou; and his brothers of the Coeur d'Alene Fire Dept.
Memorial for Vaughn is scheduled at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 28, 2011, at Coeur d'Alene Fire Station No. 3 on 15th Street and Hazel.
If any contributions, Vaughn's favorites were Idaho Youth Ranch and KCSA at the IEGA gymnastics gym where he spent many hours as Mr. Mom Cheerleader for his daughter.