Robert Vaughn
Plimpton
1940-2007
A memorial service is 10 a.m., March 5 for Robert Vaughn Plimpton, 66, who died Feb. 26, 2007, after a courageous fight with cancer. The service takes place at Hope Lutheran Church of the Sierra, 930 Julie Lane, South Lake Tahoe with a burial service immediately following at Happy Homestead Cemetery in South Lake Tahoe.
Mr. Plimpton was born Aug. 24, 1940, to Vaughn and Marie Plimpton in Sacramento. The family moved to Lake Tahoe in 1943 and he graduated from South Tahoe High School in 1959. He met his wife, Stevie, on a blind date, and they were married in 1963. Mr. Plimpton attended Sacramento City College and received an associate arts degree. He served as a reserve in the Coast Guard while working for his dad, V.L. Plimpton Construction in South Lake Tahoe. He helped build numerous homes and businesses around town. In 1979, he formed Plimpton Brothers Construction with his brother, Raymond Plimpton. Together they built many of the homes in the Chimney Rock/Terrace View area of Kingsbury Grade. He was a long-time member of the South Lake Tahoe Rotary Club from 1973, served as president in 1982-83, and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also a member of the Edgewood Tahoe Men's Golf Club.
While growing up in Lake Tahoe, he enjoyed snow and water skiing. He skied at Heavenly Valley on its opening day using wood skis, cable bindings, lace-up boots and bamboo poles. Mr. Plimpton was an avid outdoorsman, and loved hunting and fishing in the Tahoe Basin before much of it was developed. He also liked golf, traveling in his motor home with Stevie, boating, fishing and discussing political affairs.
Mr. Plimpton will be remembered by his family for freely giving of his time. Whether it was dog and baby-sitting, remodeling a room, performing fishing and hunting guide duties, or even building a house from the ground up, he arrived with a smile on his face, a positive attitude, and was ready to give as much of his time as needed. He will truly be missed.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Stephanie Plimpton; father, Vaughn Plimpton, and mother Marie Plimpton.
Mr. Plimpton is survived by his daughter and son-in law, Shelly and Jeff Nelson of Rohnert Park; son Drew of Washoe Valley; brother Raymond of Gardnerville; niece and nephew-in law, Kristy and Kevin Kjer of Stateline; brother-in law and sister-in law, Jay and Mary Alsbury of South Lake Tahoe; nephews, T.J. and James Alsbury; grandchildren, Ashley and Taylor Nelson; Brody Plimpton; Kyle, Kelsey, and Kaitlyn Kjer.
A reception at Edgewood Golf Course in Stateline will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the South Lake Tahoe Cancer League, P.O. Box 17962, South Lake Tahoe, 96151, (530) 573-1703.
