Vaughn Sigvart Hagen

Vaughn Sigvart Hagen, 70, of Bellingham, WA, passed away on August 6, 2025, the result of a violent crime. He was tragically taken from us while executing his duties as executor for a long-time client of his CPA firm.

Vaughn was born in Bellingham, WA, on August 20, 1954, the son of Vernon and Arlene (Anderson) Hagen. Following his father’s career, he spent his childhood in Bellingham, Toledo, Tumwater, and Moses Lake, WA. He was an active child, always getting into things, interested in taking part in any type of sport, and making it his life mission to terrorize his siblings. Vaughn was outgoing, and made friends easily. He graduated from Moses Lake High School, then went to college at Eastern Washington University, earning his degree in accounting. After graduating, he earned his CPA license and began his accounting career at a CPA firm in Juneau, Alaska. Following many years in Juneau, Vaughn and his wife Martha decided to move to Bellingham, where Vaughn started his own firm. In 2014, his daughter, Sarah, who also got her accounting degree and eventually her CPA license, joined Vaughn’s firm. As time went on, it was decided that she would take over the firm when Vaughn retired, with Vaughn releasing the reigns this past June. Vaughn completed 49 tax seasons, and was planning on working one last one with Sarah to have 50 under his belt.

While working in Juneau, Vaughn met and married Martha (Marc) Paradis. Once they came to Bellingham, they adopted two children – Matthew and Sarah, who they raised together to adulthood. Vaughn was a respected and well-thought-of CPA, with many loyal clients. As a Bellingham businessman, Vaughn took part in his community. He joined the Bellingham Kiwanis Club and stayed active with them for many years, holding the position of chapter President, and eventually Lt. Governor of the Pacific Northwest district. A decade ago, he embarked on a fundraising expedition to the summit of Mt. Baker, through Kiwanis in conjunction with UNICEF. He was raising funds to help combat IDD (Iodine Deficiency Disorder), a malady that affects poor kids and families world-wide. As a result of those efforts, Vaughn was chosen to ride the Kiwanis International float in the Rose Parade. For years he would call Bingo to raise money for Kiwanis, weekly and at the Northwest Washington Fair. He was also active in the Sons of Norway Wergeland Lodge in Bellingham, where he served as President for many years. He organized the SON Blaine Border Festival, attended the District Two convention with sister Vernene, brother Kevan and sister-in-law Betsy last year, and recently returned from this year’s Hallinglag Stevne, a South Dakota gathering of descendants of emigrants from the Hallingdal region of Norway. Vaughn continued to follow sports of all kinds throughout his life, playing basketball regularly with friends at lunchbreak on weekdays, playing softball annually at the St. George Senior Softball tournament in Utah, and golfing regularly with family and friends. He was an avid fan of high school sports. He eagerly attended the football games of his son Matt through Matt’s high school career. Even after Matt graduated, Vaughn often attended the high school championship tournaments in football and basketball. He also took delight in following all of his grandkids’ activities, including grandson Carter, who plays high school basketball. Vaughn couldn’t wait to be in the stands and see him play at the state tournament. In the past couple of months, as he was approaching retirement, he decided to carry out a life-long dream and purchased a refurbished antique truck. He planned to take it to antique car shows and summer parades whenever he could. He drove it in the Blaine Fourth of July parade, with his grandkids in the back. Unfortunately for him, he probably had it towed more times than he drove it, because of engine issues. Vaughn officially retired on June 30th, and was so excited to experience the freedom that retirement would provide him, and was busy planning his life after work.

During his full life, as a kid and through adulthood, Vaughn was a continual thorn in the side, kiddingly, to all he encountered. He was a hyperactive, constant annoyance with his incessant whistling. He never tired of teasing with, or commenting jokingly with those dear to him. He always had a ready laugh that he got from his Grandpa Anderson, and a playful jest up his sleeve. That was his love language. And he did so whistling all the while.

Vaughn is survived by his son Matthew Hagen; daughter Sarah Trefethen (Jesse); grandchildren Carter Hagen, Myles, Dayne, Vernon, Nellie, and Warren Trefethen; sisters Vernene Scheurer (Larry) and Stephanie Pessemier (Bill); brothers Kevan Hagen (Betsy) and Kary Hagen (Maria); former wives Martha Paradis Hagen and Lee Toler Lee; step-mother Diane Hagen; Aunt Audrey Block; Aunt Judy and Uncle Gary Dunster; Aunt Laurine Keyes; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon Hagen and Arlene Anderson.

Vaughn will be interred at Greenacres Memorial Park in Whatcom County. At his request, there will be a private, family memorial service held on Saturday, August 23rd, with an open reception to follow, 3:00 pm at the Blaine Community Center, 763 G St., Blaine, WA, 98230.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Vaughn’s memory can be made to the Sons of Norway Foundation, Kiwanis International, and the Blaine Free Church Unitarian.