Vaughn Sharp Obituary
1946 ~ 2013
Vaughn passed away peacefully on a beautiful Sunday afternoon surrounded by "his boys," as he so lovingly called them, and other loving members of his family. He fought a long battle against serious health complications arising from brain surgery in 2010, and finally found relief from the pain on June 23, 2013.
Vaughn was a father, a brother, a husband, a best friend, and a grandfather-to-be-a fact that was his greatest joy in his final stage of life. He was born in Murray, Utah, on December 12, 1946, to Ray G. and Donnabel Spratling Sharp, and was the eldest of 5 biological siblings, as well as many adopted siblings, all of whom he loved dearly. He was married for 13 years to Patricia Yazzie, during which time he had three sons, who were the center of his life.
Vaughn was passionate about many things in life: guitar, Toyota Landcruisers, photography, the outdoors, his cats, and most of all, his family, for whom he sacrificed so much. He was adventurous and loved exploring new places in his beloved Toyota Landcruiser named Yuuki (Japanese for "courage"), or with his boys in their own Landcruisers. He was also the life of every gathering with his wonderful storytelling and guitar playing, which he so willingly played for all those who knew him. He was an educated man and a hard worker, having earned both a bachelor's and master's degree in communications from Brigham Young University. Despite ups and downs in his career, he always found a way to provide for his boys, and prioritized that above all else.
Vaughn was a man of God, having served an LDS Church mission in Guatemala/El Salvador, Central America, and having always accepted and treated everyone he came into contact with love and respect. Throughout the years, much like his mother before him, he was always willing to bring those in need into his home, and had a great love of all types of cultures and people.
He is survived by his three sons, Aric (Claudia), Nik, and Evan; siblings, Gaylin (Joelle), Evelyn (Robert Stanley), Mary Jo (Brad Heaton) Anita (Quinn Hatch), Nathan (Tiffany), Jonathan, Doug, and Kelly; and his beloved cats, Jimmyjohn, Baby Kitty, Turtle, Cally, and Pluffy II.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 27, at 11 AM at the Mountainville 4th Ward, 327 South Long Drive in Alpine, Utah. There will be a viewing Wednesday 6-8 PM at Goff Mortuary, 8090 S. State, Midvale, and again on Thursday at the church from 10-10:45 AM. Interment, West Jordan City Cemetery. www.goffmortuary.com
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John Burgon
June 19, 2019
Vaughn has now become a symbol of my youth. It is as if Im looking back at a cheap teen movie with funny pranks, high school proms and looking for love. With Vietnam, mission and marriage on the horizon, we chose not to think about that but to live in our created world of fun and adventure I.e. late night trips with our Sandys, rabbit hunting and Yellowstone. I will be forever grateful for that piece of my life and a time free from the pressures of real life. Thank you Vaughn!
Sana Christian
July 8, 2013
God speed, dear Vaughn. I have wonderful memories of going camping up Hobble Creek Canyon with you and your sisters, after our gigs, long ago! I am so glad you made such a lovely life. You are missed.
The songwriter guy
Ron Simpson
June 27, 2013
Vaughn, it was thanks to Evie that I met you, and we discovered we had Kelly Crabb as a friend in common. I enjoyed renewing memories of our assocociation at the services, which were a fitting tribute to memorable guy.
June 27, 2013
Vaughn, when we first moved to the Mountainville 4th ward seven years ago, our son, Aaron, was not too excited to be moving to a new neighborhood. He didn't feel like he fit in with his long hair, etc. We were really grateful for the way that Aaron felt like he had a friend in you and we appreciated your willingness to teach him the guitar, which he loved like you did. Aaron was thinking about you a couple of weeks ago and wanted to make a visit. Thank you for the tape you gave to him. I (Chris) really enjoyed it for a long time before I was informed I was supposed to send it to him after he had left for his mission. When you moved to West Jordan with your sister, Evan was telling me how you never missed the "Bateman" reunion. I am still curious about that, as my Grandmother was a Bateman. Margaret Vance was telling me about the Bateman reunion in West Jordan. I found out that Margaret is like my 2nd or 3rd cousin. Anyway, to Vaughn's family..we are so sorry for your loss. It seems so matter how happy you are for the person to be out of pain, there is definitely a void when they are gone. May God bless and keep. Christine Penn and the Penn Family.
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Landon Taylor
June 26, 2013
Evan and family, we send our condolences and love. For the little bit that I knew your dad he was exactly as described. May peace feel your lives during this trying time.
June 26, 2013
Evie, I am so sorry for the loss for your brother. I know he is in a wonderful place and you and Robert did so much to help him. You have my sympathy. Denise Duffield
Kent and Sharon Bateman
June 26, 2013
Dear family, so sorry we are unable to attend Vaughn,s funeral. Our love and prayers are with you all as you go through this difficult time. So glad he is out of pain and resting peacefully with his beloved mom and dad.
Brad Williams
June 26, 2013
Vaughn, I loved your enthusiasm for life and your endless support of your sons. I remember you tirelessly photographing Aric's band which I was in, and just thinking what an amazing dad you where. You'll be missed.
Vickie (Phelps) West
June 26, 2013
It's been 48 years since our class graduated from Hillcrest High. Vaughn was a favorite classmate all through elementary, jr. high, and high school!! He, John Burgon, Susan Ketner and I had sooo MUCH fun preparing for our high school traveling assembly. We performed a "ballet" of sorts, and Vaughn and John were the "Aces of cards". This was only one of MANY fond memories of time spent with Vaughn. His obituary reflects how he has continued to influence MANY lives since those good ole' days! No doubt, Vaughn will continue to influence MANY MORE lives, knowing the wonderful man that he IS!!!
Rhea Smith
June 26, 2013
Vaughn was a special person. I remember him playing the guitar so many years ago. He was always good to everyone and had a wonderful smile. He will be missed but may be spending time with his soon to come to earth grandchild passing on his wisdom. He was a friend of mine in high school. Rhea Reading Smith
Lorena Alvarado
June 25, 2013
You will be surely missed Papa Sharp. Ever since I had the privilege of becoming part of the family, I witnessed how much you loved your boys, and became so grateful because I saw how you loved my daughter... Forever grateful. It was an honor to have met you.
Terri Zeiltsra
June 25, 2013
Vaughn, I am so thankful to have known you. You were always so kind, funny and a great foster brother. I have learned so much from your family and have wonderful memories. I know that you are with your mom and dad, it must be a happy reunion. I could just see their faces. You do not have to suffer anymore. You did the best you could on this earth. Your 3 boys turned out wonderful and you could be a proud daddy. You will be in my thoughts and heart always. Love you much, Terri Keith Zeilstra
Leon & Vicki Carlson
June 25, 2013
Dear Sharp Family:
We are so sorry for your loss, but we rejoice with Vaughn in his freedom from pain and illness. May you always remember the good times you had with him, which will bring you comfort.
Love Leon and Vicki Carlson
Benji Fergi
June 25, 2013
Thanks for all you did Vaughan. You were always great to talk to and have around. From working on the green Cruiser with you and Aric to having your support at every concert taking band photos, to chillin at your house for dinner and drinking Ruby Red Squirt to watchin Soccer games. RIP Vaughan.
John Burgon
June 25, 2013
To a great friend, he made high school and yellowstone highlights of my life. He was able to bring out a "fun" side of me that I could only bring out when I was around him. We had a lot of laughs and good times together. From all of us at "IPIOF" we will miss you.
Susan Carver-Deans
June 25, 2013
My sister called to tell me about Vaughn and I just had to add my condolences to his children. Vaughn was my first "date". We grew up together in Midvale, and Donnabel drove us to see Bambi when it first came out at the Midvale Theatre. He was a dear friend all through elementary, junior high and at Hillcrest where everyone knew and loved him. Farewell good friend.
Rob Nish
June 25, 2013
Vaughn, you will be missed! You loved your sons unconditionally, supported them fully and had a sincere and genuine interest in each of their lives and their pursuits. You were a great man. Thank you for your example and your friendship.
Aunt Pudiss
June 25, 2013
Boys what a beautiful obit and tribute to your dad and my beloved brother. Oh how we'll miss him! I'm so glad he lives on in each of you - Aric, Nik, & Evan. I see him in each one of you; each in different ways. I'm so honored and lucky to be able to call him my brother. He taught me so many things. His influence and love touched so many different people. I hope he now realizes that, as he was so humble before and would not have thought so. I'll never forget the hours he spent helping Brad & I find the 'right' guitar for Josie - and I mean the right one! It was perfect for her and even in his most trying times at the end he was still teaching her how to play. He was such a soft, gentle soul even though he wouldn't want anyone to realize that!
He leaves such a big hole in my heart. I love you - my sweet nephews and know that I'm always here for you.
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8090 S. State St., Midvale, UT 84047
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