William Thomas Vaughn

William Thomas “Bill” Vaughn, 77, died unexpectedly on January 25, 2026, at home on the Clark Fork downriver from Missoula, Montana. Born in Great Falls, Bill was a natural at everything he put his mind to -- from improv jazz piano to fastpitch softball, O-Mok-See horse games and ice hockey, to name a few. A tireless raconteur and gossip, he brought people together around his jokes and love of foolishness and games. Multifaceted editor and author, he co-founded the Borrowed Times newspaper and, over the past 50 years, wrote a trove of first-person journalism, three non-fiction books, numerous short stories and, more recently, a glittering potpourri of Substack posts. He leaves behind his beloved wife and full-fledged partner, barrel racer Catherine “Kitty” Herrin. A full obituary will be available soon, as well as details of a get-together celebrating Bill to be held this summer at Bill and Kitty’s place on the Clark Fork.