Daryl Vaughn

"Whether I am right or wrong, I am still the Captain."

Daryl K. Vaughn was born April 4, 1961, in San Leandro, Calif. He was the first son of Suellen and Bert Vaughn. Daryl lived life with a rare intensity. He learned his work ethic in his parents' grocery store and his passion for life on the baseball field. Daryl bought his first house when he was 18 and married his high school sweetheart shortly thereafter. Three houses and four years later, he welcomed his first daughter, Athena, into the world.

After divorce, Daryl moved to Alaska in January 1987 seeking his great adventure. Within days of his arrival he met his life-long mate, Bonnie, whom he married on Valentine's Day in 1988.

Always ready to take on a challenge, Daryl continued to invest in real estate, his first love. A true outdoor enthusiast, Daryl became infected with fishing pox during his first year as a commercial fisherman. Daryl started Vaughn's Floor Covering late in 1988 and it evolved into Alaska Commercial Flooring, an LLC, in 2008. He continued to work commercial fishing and as a contractor throughout his life. He said he could always find more money if he crawled around on the floor.

In his 23 years as an Alaskan, Daryl tried his hand at crabbing, halibut longlining and herring fishing. He also enjoyed chasing moose, clam digging, fourwheeling, snowmachining, rafting and camping. Along the way, he raised four children with Bonnie: Daniel Adrian, Athena Vaughn, Kyle Vaughn and his baby daughter Jennifer Vaughn, who recalls her father as "a mountain of a man."

Daryl passed away on Nov. 3, 2010, in the presence of family and friends, having succumbed to kidney cancer after a 50-day battle.

The family will hold a celebration of life noon-3 p.m. Saturday at Guido's Pizza, 549 International Airport Road.

No flowers, please. Pictures and stories are welcome.

A private man, Daryl was known by few but will be remembered as a friend to most and loved by many.