Vaughn Thomas Fiess

Vaughn entered this life June 5, 1944 in Odessa, WA. He was confirmed as a Christian June 7, 1959 at Salem Lutheran Church. He left this life on April 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife, sons, daughters-in-law and granddaughter.

Vaughn was the beloved son of Thomas and Merle (Ralls) Fiess. His childhood and youth years were spent on the family wheat farm outside of the small close-knit community of Marlin, WA. He and his three sisters grew up surrounded by farm life, church, school and much love and laughter.

Vaughn graduated from Marlin High School in 1962 with seven classmates. His talents in art and expression led him to the Portland Art Museum School of Art in 1964. He developed a unique style in oils, pen and ink and watercolors.

The United States Army drafted Vaughn in 1966. He was proud of his service as a clerical specialist at Fort Hood, TX. And he took his induction oath very seriously. He was honorably discharged in 1968 as an E-5.

In the Fall of 1969, Vaughn enrolled at Central Washington University, pursuing a degree in education with an emphasis in elementary school art.

In May of 1970, Vaughn asked a fellow zoology student if she’d like to get some coffee together. That was Robin, and the coffee led to fifty-five years of deep love, much laughter, a disagreement or three and the joy of raising their two sons. Justin was born in 1975, and Ethan completed the family in 1978.

Vaughn’s career eventually led him to social work with juvenile offenders in the Washington State Juvenile Rehabilitation Agency. He worked at Maple Lane School for twenty-one years, serving as cottage counselor, cottage supervisor, security supervisor and court liaison. In 1999, Vaughn became a JRA parole officer in the Olympia region. He was ever a compassionate authority figure to every youth who came under his care. More than a few of those young men contacted Vaughn in later years to thank him for the positive impact he had on their lives.

Vaughn was passionate about his gardens. Roses, peonies, glads, rhodies, azaleas, crocus, tulips, daffodils… they all thrived with his pampering. He also grew tasty tomatoes and luscious raspberries. His gardens became big canvasses for his art.

Vaughn never passed up a road trip – as long as Robin planned it. Those included a ramble from Saratoga Springs NY to Monticello VA with in-laws, the Southwest, many national parks, museums, monuments and battlefields. Family trips to Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco were highlights too. However, the Oregon coast was always a place of beauty, awe and rest for both Vaughn and Robin.

Upon retirement in 2008, Vaughn decided it was time to join Westminster Presbyterian Church where Robin was a long-time member. He did so in early 2009 and became very active. Vaughn served faithfully and in faith as a deacon, head usher and on the Chancel and Worship Committees.

Vaughn’s last years were compromised by COPD caused by a long and regretted smoking habit.

Vaughn (Honey, Dad, Grampa, Silver Fox…) is survived by wife and partner Robin Lee (Goodwin), sons Justin Emannuel (Megan) and Ethan Clark (Kristie), granddaughter Ryann Elizabeth, honorary grandson Noah Heenan, sisters Cheryl Hatch (Donald), Carla Darrah (Michael), Kristie Wright (Randy) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Vaughn’s favorite season was spring, we encourage you to wear spring florals and light colors in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westminster’s Garden of Weedin’ or Pulmonary research at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine.