Avid Climber Leaves a Mountainous Legacy
Each of us has a special place in nature—a place that is ours.
We need these oases for our health, well-being, and sense of self. They are where we go for solace, peace, and the space to reset our minds. For Vaughn Fetzer, that place was Wyoming’s Wind River Range.
Vaughn passed away too soon on September 18, 2021, and Wind River Range was such a special place to him that he requested that his ashes—and those of his longtime canine companion, Gaylu—be spread there.
Known as a mountaineer, Vaughn’s love of the outdoors encompassed a variety of activities and places: cycling through Cuba, hiking in Wyoming and Colorado, canoeing in Montana—even working as an elementary school teacher in rural Alaska. And through his legacy plans, his and Gaylu’s resting place will be protected for generations to come.
Described as curious, kind, thoughtful, selfless, and service-oriented, Vaughn has already made a difference. In keeping with his generous outlook, Vaughn donated the entirety of his estate to causes he believed in, making Trust for Public Land (TPL) the primary beneficiary. His substantial gift will support our work in Wyoming and Montana—the places he and Gaylu loved.
Vaughn’s connection to the Wind River Range is now cemented in time as he has become a part of the landscape he loved—a landscape his legacy will help preserve.
Wind River Range was Vaughn’s special place, both during and after his life. We encourage you to reflect on the special places in your life and how you, too, can protect public access to them for years to come. Contact Office of Planned Giving at 202-856-3748 or plannedgiving@tpl.org to explore your options.
Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.