Gwilymn Eugene Vaughn's Obituary
Gwilymn (Skip) Vaughn went home to be with the Lord following a courageous battle with lung cancer. Skip died at home in Tacoma, Washington at the age of 81. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Laura.
Skip was born in Tacoma to Wilbert and Mildred Vaughn. He had two sisters and one brother, all of whom he loved dearly. Growing up in the last years of the depression formed a character of thriftiness and generosity that lasted all his days. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Tacoma, where he met his future bride in Spanish class. Last year they celebrated 60 years of marriage.
Following high school, he served two years in the Army as a machinist. His machinist skill landed him a job with Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. When the shipyard started doing nuclear work in the 1960’s, Skip was specially selected to join the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. This challenging work provided tremendous satisfaction. After 37 years, he retired from the shipyard as a Nuclear Engineering Supervisor.
In retirement, Skip became a champion for the City of Tacoma. He served on the Public Utilities Board, Pacific Harbors Council of the Boy Scouts of America, various police investigative commissions, and is viewed by some as the “father” of the neighborhood council program. In 1994, Skip served in leadership and worked tirelessly with others to save 80 acres from public sale and raise 5.6 million dollars to create Wapato Hills Park. “Skip and Laura Vaughn Playfield” was named to honor him and his wife.
Skip is survived by his wife, Laura, and children, Sue Rybolt (Brian) and Dan Vaughn (Tracy); and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother and sisters.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, April 5, 2016 at the Aspen Chapel, Mt View Memorial Park. Donations in lieu of flowers may be given to the American Cancer Society.
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