Harold Duane Vaught

Harold Duane Vaught, 84, passed away peacefully at his home in Thompson Falls, Mont., on Tuesday, July 15, 2008. He was a dear and loving husband, father, and grandfather, and will be greatly missed by his family.

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

After graduation, Harold enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he served in England during World War II. While on leave, he was introduced to Tana Elliott by his sisters. They were married on Dec. 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 an all-around mechanic. Harold was a volunteer with the Thompson Falls City Fire Department and retired after 20 years of service. He was also a member of the local Rods & Classic Car Club.

Harold's hobbies over the years included bowling, snowmobiling, 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 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; an infant daughter; his brother, Wilbur; and son-in-law Bruce Johnson.

Survivors include his son, Duane and wife Marilyn of Thompson Falls; his 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, Colin Slaughter of Sandpoint, and Jeffrey Slaughter of Dallas, Texas; his great-grandchildren, Stephanie Bortz, Allison and Dylan Vaught, and Ripken Hanley. He is also survived by his sisters, Lois Hall and Leona Irish of Sandpoint, Jeanette Wigal, of Columbus, Ohio, and Alice Wilson of Philadelphia; and his brother, Wayne Vaught of Belleview, Fla.

Services will be held at Our Savior's Lutheran Church at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 21. Pastor Char Schmiedeskamp will officiate. The family suggests that memorials be made to the Thompson Falls City Fire 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.