After a short but brave battle with cancer, Steven Dale Vaughan Sr. passed away on Aug. 29, 2018, in Santa Rosa, Calif., with his loving family by his side.

Steve was born on Dec. 23, 1944, in Los Angeles, Calif., to John and Mary Vaughan. He grew up in a large family and was the youngest of six kids.

Steve was a longtime resident of Lake County. He built his home in Lakeport, Calif., in 1978, where he raised his family, with his late wife Joanne. Together they owned and operated Pet Country for over 30 years.

He loved serving his community over the years and had a passion for teaching and educating customers on how to improve the quality of the their pet’s lives.

Steve also had a passion for the outdoors, hunting and fishing. He was an avid angler almost to a professional level, coupled with his nautical years living on the ocean earned him the name “Captain.”

Steve was a perfectionist which showed in his gardening and ever-evolving love of cooking for his family and friends. He enjoyed a good wine and a good dinner. He had a passion for making everything in his travels better, “always leave it better than you found it.”

Steve had a wonderful smile and when he was happy that smile gave everyone that saw it a sense of warmth.

A memorial service will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary on Friday, Sept. 21, at 11 a.m.

Donations in his memory can be made to North Valley Sparrow Foundation at P.O. Box 1283, Biggs, CA 95917.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.