Harold Vaught

Harold Duane Vaught, 84, passed away peacefully at his home in Thompson Falls on Tuesday, July 15th. He was a dear and loving husband, father, and grandfather, and will be greatly missed by his family.

Harold was born February 23, 1924 in Conrad, Montana to Presley and Violet Vaught. He moved with his family to the Trout Creek area as a young boy. He attended grade school near Brady, Montana and Trout Creek, and attended high school in Thompson Falls, where he graduated in 1942. During high school he was one of the "dorm kids" who lived at the dormitory. Friends were made from his stay there that lasted a lifetime.

After graduation, Harold enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he served in England during World War 2. While on leave, he was introduced to Tana Elliott by his sisters. They were married December 31, 1945, a union which continued for 62 years. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1995 with family and friends.

His career included working for the State, driving a school bus, and working at Motors Garage which he later purchased with his brother Wilbur around 1956. He later went into business with his son, Duane, forming Vaught Trucking, where he continued his skill as a great all-around mechanic. Harold was a volunteer of the Thompson Falls City Fire Department, and retired after 20 years of service. He was also a member of the local Rods and Classics Car Club.

Harold's hobbies over the years included bowling, snow mobiling, water skiing, fishing, boating, and camping at his favorite spot in the world, his property at Trout Creek. He also enjoyed traveling in his motor home.

His happiest times were always when he was with his family and friends. He was very proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and his wife Tana was the love of his life.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Tana; his parents, and an infant daughter; brother Wilbur, and son-in-law Bruce Johnson.

Survivors include son Duane and wife Marilyn of Thompson Falls, and daughter Debbie Slaughter and her husband David of Sandpoint, Idaho; his grandchildren, Kevin Vaught and his wife Shawni, and Kerry Hanley and her husband Ryan, all of Thompson Falls, and Colin Slaughter of Sandpoint Idaho, and Jeffrey Slaughter of Dallas, Texas; his great-granchildren Stephanie Bortz, Allison and Dylan Vaught, and Ripken Hanley. He is also survived by his sisters Lois Hall and Leona Irish of Sandpoint, Idaho, Jeanette Wigal of Columbus, Ohio, and Alice Wilson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and brother Wayne Vaught of Belleview, Florida.

Services will be held at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Thompson Falls at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 21st. Pastor Char Schmiedeskamp will officiate. The family suggests that memorials be made to the Thompson Falls City Department, Our Savior's Lutheran Church, or to a charity of the donor's choice.

To paraphrase Will Rogers, Harold never met a man who didn't like him.