Vaughn C. Walker Memorial Fund

My dad, Vaughn, unexpectedly passed away on August 9, 2019. Unexpected because he was supposed to live forever. Unexpected because he still had so much to do.  Unexpected because he wasn't even half a century old yet (even though he called himself "Old Man" my whole life).

I've always known he knew a lot of people, but in the past few days, I've realized just how many people's lives he brought joy, laughter, music, support, kindness, and happiness to. 

My dad was a musician always. From singing in choirs, being the Widefield High School drum major; to his years at Colorado State University as a marching band member, section leader, and announcer; to writing music for his big sister Wendy's wedding; to playing his guitar and his favorite trumpet, Ella, as often as he could; to playing and singing with the Luther Memorial Church in Chicago where he lived for the last 13 years; to dreaming of Walker Brother's Music Emporium; to being a true Sinfonian; and co-writing songs with me. Music was his life.

But that's not all he did. He cared. He truly and deeply cared for people. He wanted them to smile. He saw the good in everything. He had the most ridiculous hat collection. He loved James Brown and all good funky music. He laughed infectiously. He carpe'd every diem. He loved riding his bike along the path along Lake Michigan and through Lincoln Park. He loved to dance with his butt. He definitely cracked some good jokes. He loved me and my little brother, Walter, with his whole heart. He loved his sister Wendy, her husband Todd, his brother Josh and his wife Lauren, his nieces and nephews (and brand new great nephew), too, even though he didn't get to see any of us as often as he wanted. He loved his given family and the families he built through the different stages of his life. He loved taking pictures. He loved laughing to the point of crying. He helped people and asked for nothing in return. 

My dad didn't have much in the way of earthly possessions or money. He lived meagerly, though joyfully. He lived fully and loved deeply.  

My dad didn't have any insurance or savings. He had no retirement funds. He lived month to month, though gave what he could to the things and places he believed in.

I ask that you please help me now with supporting this GoFundMe for the costs of my dad's memorial services, cremation, and other related expenses. As next of kin, I am responsible for the final expenses. But as a 19-year old, I haven't even started being an adult yet. 

I will carry on your music, Dad. You and my mom gave that to me and I will carry it with me always.