Vaughn Delano Hayes passed away June 6, 2023.

A few days before his 88th birthday, Memorial Day, he became ill and was taken to the hospital and discovered he had cancer throughout his body. He was shutting down quickly. He spent the next week and a half in the hospital before he passed. He was able to see a few people that dropped everything to travel and see him in his final time. It meant so much to him. There was just a very short time as he progressed so quickly. Dad was not alone when he passed. Family was with him constantly.

As a young man. Dad enlisted in the USCG, stationed in Alaska. He was assigned to the USCG Cutter Storis. After his tour he worked for the railroad, USFS, USFS fire suppression, and was also a choker setter and surveyor. He moved to Arcata to attend Humboldt State University to study forestry, which turned into a degree in Social Services. He met Charlotte there and they started their life together. They moved to Eureka and he began a 30 year career working for the Humboldt County Probation Department, retiring in 2000.

Anything that took him outdoors — whether it was hunting, fishing, boating/jet skiing, camping or backpacking — even if it was yard work. He loved the outdoors and being outside. Dad owned two horses. He rode with his friends in the local parades. The horses kept him busy and gave him a fulfillment that he had wanted all his life.

Dad eventually needed to slow down. It broke his heart but he gave up his horses and that part of his life. He and mom built a small house on a beautiful piece of property in Hydesville in 2000. He designed it himself. This became his park. This was his place where he talked to Jesus. He spent many hours sitting with his dogs reading his Bible and singing. Faith in Jesus Christ is what drove him. You didn’t have to ask him about the Lord. He would tell you whether you wanted to hear it or not. He felt it was his purpose in life.

Dad was the youngest of seven siblings. He was the last to pass on.

Vaughn is survived by his doting wife, Charlotte, of 64 years, their son Zaruk and wife Sherri and granddaughter Grace; his brother Dale’s family and their families; his brother Harley’s sons and their families; his sister Tessie’s daughters and their families; Bonnie Clark and their extended family; very close family friend, Ed, and wife Valerie Green and their family.

There will be a private interment and memorial at a later date.

A very special and heartfelt thank you to the soctors, nurses and staff at Redwood Memorial Hospital. They are wonderful caring people and made such an impact on all of us.

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Vaughn Hayes’ loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.