Brian "Doug" Douglas Vaughan

Brian Douglas “Doug” Vaughan, age 60 of Moneta died August 29, 2025 following a short illness, with his loving wife, Amber and faithful dog Silvi by his side. He died peacefully with his beloved Smith Mountain Lake outside his window with the tunes of the Grateful Dead playing in the background.

Dougie ‘ABSOLUTELY’ loved what Mother Nature offered. His adventurous, free-spirited lifestyle led him to be an avid sailor, love for music, fly fisherman, biker, hiker, and skier most of his life. He also leaves behind his first car, a 1965 cherry red Mustang, which he was faithfully restoring in a decades-long endeavor, and many friends that he made and kept for his 60 years.

Doug was born in Charleston, WV on September 27, 1964, the youngest child of Jack Vaughan and Carol (Mihoover) Vaughan, both of whom predeceased him. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, WV and attended the University of Alabama and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ, where he began the career that defined the rest of his life, a chef. With this talent, he used his formidable culinary skills to aaserve the people of Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Virginia, and also his appreciative family and friends. Colorado was home for most of his life, and where he met Amber.

He is survived by his wife Amber Sakosky Vaughan, his sisters Debbie (David) Miller and Tess (David) Barnes, his niece Kristie Pariyadath, nephews Jeremy McGraw, Andrew Barnes, Jackson Barnes and Daniel Miller, and several grand-nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Colorado. In lieu of flowers, go with your loved ones (or solo!) for a sail on your favorite lake or for a joy ride to get some fresh mountain air. Share a story with Amber about Doug in your life at ams624@gmail.com.

Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount/Smith Mountain Lake.