March 11, 1954 ~ Dec. 29, 2025
Fredrick Vaughn Moodie passed away Dec. 29, 2025 after a well-fought battle with cancer. Vaughn was born to Margaret and Robert Moodie on March 11, 1954, in Salmon, Idaho.
When he was 4 his family moved to Delta, Colorado. After graduation in 1972 he was employed for the summer in Breckenridge, Colorado. In June, he was injured when a forklift ran over him. Being rushed to a Denver hospital and extensive surgery, he was told he would never walk again. Needless to say, he proved doctors wrong; telling the doctors he was going hunting in October.
He returned to work in September and was hunting two months later. At that time, while working full-time, he attended a trade school and graduated with an associate’s degree in mechanics in Denver. After obtaining his degree, he returned to Delta to assist his mother. He was employed via different companies throughout the surrounding area, providing for his wife and himself when a position in Meeker piqued his interest. ln 1984 the position brought him to Meeker. He enjoyed sharing his story of how cold it was in February when he first arrived in Meeker. 1986 brought a joyous gift with the arrival of daughter, Maureen.
Vaughn loved to hunt. In doing so, a beautiful Desert Big Horn and Rocky Mountain Big Horn sheep are mounted on a wall in his home for all to enjoy. He hardly ever missed elk hunting season and “almost always” got an elk. He also enjoyed helping an outfitter friend in the Norwood area.
He was a volunteer firefighter for Meeker Fire Department for over 31 years and up until his illness would respond to whatever the call was to assist in any way possible. His respect for the Chief, officers and other firefighters was outstanding. One of the greatest honors he treasured with the Fire Department was to keep the 1936 Dodge fire truck in tip-top condition and drive the fire truck in the 4th of July parade with a retired firefighter. His work passion was mechanics. He was employed as the bus mechanic for the Rio Blanco School District for 23+ years and retired in 2023. Friends and acquaintances would ask Vaughn for help when they had concerns with their vehicles. He would do what needed to be done, to the best of his ability, and was able to fix the problem. When the project was finished, he was asked what his fee was for his services. Vaughn, true to his infectious smile, responded “cookies.”
He loved having projects to do and at times difficult scenarios would present themselves. One way or another he figured out how to proceed with successful outcomes. His wife, Faun, would state there was not a problem with a project he was not able to resolve. The home he purchased in 2012 is an example of figuring out how to proceed with unusual dilemmas.
Vaughn met Faun Burke of Leadville in August 2008 through eHarmony (yes it does work). After commuting for nine years, they decided to “make it legal” and were married August 2017.
Vaughn traveled somewhat throughout Colorado and other states with various family members. Fishing in Idaho, fishing in Mexico, hog hunting and fishing in Florida, sightseeing in Virginia, visiting Oregon. He enjoyed many adventures with family in Aurora, CO. The highlight of his travels was halibut fishing with his brother David in Alaska.
One would often hear him say “don’t sweat the small stuff, in a 100 years it won’t matter.” In his optimistic way, “Chin Up, Cheer up, Charge” was his outlook on life in general.
Vaughn is survived by his wife Faun Burke, daughter Maureen, Colin, grandchildren Nicodemus, Asher, Corrin, Merrique and Obadiah Goodson. Tiffani Boskovich, Tom, granddaughters Teagen, Trinity Boskovich, Anthony Soussi, Tatriana, Zeph, great grandson Kaos; George, Jennifer, granddaughters Calissa and Eliana Burke. Brother David Moodie and wife Helen Skidmore; brother William Moodie; sister-in-law Myrna Salberg; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Lori and Larry Eberhart. Vaughn was preceded in death by his father, mother and sister Vera.
Being the humbled “gentle man” Vaughn was, his request was services not be held. If desired, donations to Meeker Fire Department in Vaughn’s name would definitely put a smile on his face.
