William "Bill" Robert Vaught

William “Bill” Robert Vaught, beloved husband, cherished cat dad, loyal friend, talented musician, seasoned sailor died on May 15, 2025. He was embraced and surrounded by his family as he ended his journey.  He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Jean (Witt) Vaught and cats Simba, Sabrina, Russell, Sam, Spinnaker, and others. He is survived by his wife of over 20 years, Darien, Calvin the cat, and numerous friends, too numerous to mention. Bill, a graduate of Mundelein High School, Mundelein, Illinois, had a vast work history with most recently being a highly sought after home repair specialist.

During his vast career, just to mention a few, he has been a boat broker, including delivery of boats far and wide. Evident from his youth he has had an incredible curiosity on how things work and the mechanics involved. That led to him building a float for a high school procession. And the building did not stop there… from building homes single handedly to remodeling, he could build or create large and small.

His interest in sailing and music began simultaneously in his youth. Learning to sail at 15 and teaching others how to play guitar at 15 is quite impressive. These two passions remained through out Bill’s life, leading him to be in various bands and to sail the trimaran Rapa from northern California to Central and South America, amongst other places. As well as catamarans Housecat I and Housecat II, and many other fine sailing yachts.

Bill was a United States Air Force Veteran. He served his country proudly.

Bill adored his wife and she him. They had a wonderful life full of adventure. He truly was an exceptional and extraordinary man.

Bill’s celebration of living and life will be held via Zoom on August 17, 2025. Details forthcoming by the family.

Those wishing to make a donation in Bill’s memory are asked to consider World Wide Fund for Nature, or a humane society of your choice. Also please consider planting a Red Maple or Sugar Maple Tree in Bill’s memory.

The family would like to give a special thanks to McLaren Hospice for all their care and help.

Arrangements are in the care of Stackus Funeral Home of Boyne City, Michigan.