Maurice R. Vachon

Maurice R. Vachon, age 84 of Omaha passed away November 21, 2013. He was born September 1, 1929 in Montreal Quebec Canada to the late Ferdinand & Margarite (Picard) Vachon. Maurice was a simple man who led an extraordinary life. He wanted to travel the world. In fact, he ran away from home and left a note that said, I am running away for five years. His mother pleaded with her husband to go search for him. He refused telling her that he would return when he got hungry. He came back home that night. Maurice left school in the eighth grade and eventually became an outstanding young wrestler through training at the YMCA in Montreal. He was only eighteen years old when he went to the Olympic Games in London, England, in 1948. He beat the champion of India in less than 60 seconds. In 1950 in the British Empire Games, he won the gold medal for Canada in Aukland, New Zealand. Maurice traveled the world and loved what he did. His tremendous talent and the instinct to fight back brought him acclaim. He took it all World Heavy Weight Champion, World Tag Team Champion and numerous Halls of Fame. Maurice was Canadas most decorated wrestler. That fighting instinct was once again needed to survive the tragedy of losing his right leg in 1987. His greatest match in life was about to unfold. But he never gave up. He struggled every day to have a normal life. I have seen him fall down in the middle of the street and bystanders would rush to help him to safety. I have heard him scream in the middle of the night with phantom pains. His life continued up to the very end with that beaming smile on his face . . . and a cribbage board not too far away. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Maurice is survived by his wife, Kathie Vachon; children, Mike Vachon (Carol), Dennis Vachon, Cheryl Vachon, Stephan Vachon, Jean Pierre Vachon, Linda Vachon; 5 brothers, 3 sisters, grandchildren and great grandchildren; many other family and friends. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday with special remarks at 4:00 p.m. followed by a reception in the community room at Hoy-Kilnoski. The family will direct memorials.