Obituary: Vaughan, Tim M.
Age 95
(Age 95)
Passed away July 4th.
Timothy Mack Vaughan was born August 2nd, 1916 in Rexburg, ID to G.C.
and Hazel (Winter) Vaughan.
He spent his childhood between Rexburg and Driggs, ID.
Tim’s parents were avid outdoors enthusiasts.
They took Tim and his sister, Andrea, on many outdoor excursions in the 1920s when camping really was still “roughing” it.
He never lost that enthusiasm for nature and the outdoors.
The family moved to Pocatello, ID where Tim achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 13 and graduated from high school in 1934.
He first attended college at the University of Idaho, but transferred to the University of Washington where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in fisheries biology in 1939.
He was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity; working his way through school as a short-order cook in Seattle and working summers outdoors in Yellowstone National Park.
After graduation, he obtained a job with the Idaho Fish and Game Department.
While working in Boise, he met and fell in love with Alice M. McLagan.
They married on February 1, 1941 in Boise.
He continued to work for the Fish & Game Department until 1943 when he enlisted in the Army and served his country during WWII as a Signal Corp cryptographer, or code breaker, in the South Pacific.
He was discharged in 1946 with the rank of Technical Sergeant and battle stars in the New Guinea and Luzon actions.
He returned to work with the Fish & Game department; working first in Boise, then Grangeville and finally Sandpoint.
He left the Game Department in 1952 to operate a commercial fish hatchery near St. Ignatius, MT.
While in Montana, Tim did some consulting work for the Washington Water Power Company in connection of the construction of Cabinet Gorge Dam.
He convinced WWP officials of the necessity of retaining a biologist to advise on what should be done to minimize possible fish and wildlife losses.
He joined WWP in 1954 as the first fisheries biologist to work for a private utility in the entire country.
Tim remained with WWP until 1978 when he retired as Environmental Manager.
Prior to his retirement, he was a member of the American Fisheries Society, Pacific Fisheries Biologists, Spokane county Sportsman’s Association, The Inland Empire Fly Fishing Club and The Exchange Club.
He was awarded an Honorary Life Membership to the Northwest Electric Light & Power Association.
He was a 57 year member of the WWP/Avista Trailblazers.
Tim retained his ties to the Boy Scouts as a counselor for the fly fishing merit badge.
He was a member of the Opportunity Presbyterian Church.
Tim enjoyed photography, gardening, woodworking, cooking and playing bridge.
He and Alice spent many happy hours out of doors playing golf, camping and fishing.
They travelled extensively; both in the US and abroad.
Tim was a gentleman in every sense of the word, soft-hearted, generous, and witty, a first-class friend and an incredible family man.
All those who love him have wonderful memories to fall back on.
Tim was predeceased by Alice, his much beloved wife of 70 years and a daughter, Ann.
He is survived by his children: Michael Gwillym and Deborah Vaughan of Talkeetna, AK, Jane and John Rehms of Green Bluff; grandchildren Ixtla Vaughan, Dylan and Natalie Vaughan, George and Molly Vaughan and Meghaan and Andy Blomberg; three great-grandchildren and one niece.
A graveside service will be held Monday, July 23, 2012 at 10:30 am at Fairmount Memorial Park, 5200 W. Wellesley Ave. No flowers please.
Donations may be made to Hospice of Spokane in Tim’s name.