Kristopher “Kris” Vauthier

Kristopher “Kris” Vauthier

August 30, 1983 – December 30, 2024

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, son, brother, grandson, cousin, police officer, and friend, Kristopher William Vauthier, who peacefully passed away at the age of 41 on December 30, 2024.

Kris was born on August 30, 1983, in Anaconda, Montana, to Bill and Kristie Vauthier, he was a vibrant force of nature from the moment he entered the world. Though a healthy baby, Kris faced an early challenge with an underdeveloped esophagus that made him cry loudly to catch his breath. This early hiccup set the tone for a life of energy and noise. Kris was never one to be quiet—whether at home or out with friends, his presence was always felt. From his first day at home, the house would be calm until Kris walked through the door, at which point the noise level would rise several notches until he fell asleep. This vibrant energy followed him through childhood and into adulthood. Even as a grown man, Kris would enter a room with his signature yell and playful teasing, always ready to pester someone for fun.

Kris always had an appetite that matched his heart because he was always busy with some sport. Kris enjoyed baseball, basketball, golf, and football, he tried wrestling and track but gave those up as he entered High School. Kris was very competitive and determined to do his best, striving to win and excel. Hunting was a passion that began when Kris was young. As soon as he could keep up with his father and brother, he was there learning the joys of the hunt. Over time, Kris also developed a love for fly fishing, and though he once hunted ducks with friends and cousins, he did not enjoy eating the ducks. His love for the beautiful outdoors of Montana was instilled in him at a young age and stuck with him for the rest of his life. 

Though Bill has a twin, Kris was very much like his father in so many ways. They worried about the same things, stressed over the smallest details, and shared many of the same interests. Despite Kris towering over his dad, their bond was undeniable. Kris especially loved to tease his mom, Kristie. Their playful banter was legendary—Kristie would call out, “Kristopher!!!” and Kris would respond in an exaggerated, annoyed tone, “MOM!!!” It was a simple but cherished dynamic between them.

Kris was always the “mother hen” of his family and friends, looking out for everyone’s safety and well-being, specifically towards his siblings Jaye, Adam, and Amanda. He loved looking out for them, even though he often got a good-natured rise out of teasing them. Kris took great pride in growing taller than Jaye, his older brother, and often joked about it. Every 4th of July, he would recount the hilarious tale of when Jaye accidentally lit a fireworks bag on fire in the car, and Kris had to quickly kick it out the window to avoid disaster! As for Adam and Amanda, Kris often reminisced about the times he had to give them rides home from high school lunch breaks. He’d be starving and in a rush, but they would take their sweet time, chatting with friends. As they all grew older, no matter when his siblings came back to Anaconda to visit, Kris always made sure to spend plenty of time with them but mostly to tease and pester them, just like old times.

His friends often speak of how Kris protected them from childhood onward, always ready to lend a hand. In high school, Kris had a knack for convincing his friends to do his chores, like vacuuming and dusting, so they could all sneak off to the movies on Sundays. 

Kris met the love of his life, Candace, while they were in college, surrounded by great friends, cousins, and siblings. They married on August 7, 2010, in Anaconda. After a few years together in Bozeman, they embarked on an adventure to Ohio before ultimately deciding to spend a summer back in Anaconda. There, both Kris and Candace found their true callings, and together they began building their life in Anaconda. Candace introduced Kris to her family by taking him on adventures to Louisiana and Texas, while Kris shared the warmth and closeness of his large family in Anaconda.

Together, Kris and Candace created their own beautiful family. Their firstborn, Hank, came into the world ready to experience life’s adventures. Hank quickly developed a love for hunting, fishing, and making YouTube videos with his dad. One memory Hank will always cherish is the time Kris shot a bull elk with his bow while he and Grandpa were sitting on a stump, enjoying a Snickers bar unaware that there was an elk. 

Their second child, Taylyn, brought even more joy into their lives. Taylyn loved to curl up in the recliner with her dad, and their quiet moments together will always be remembered.  She also loved pestering her dad when he was trying to play video games. 

Candace will forever miss Kris’s sweet, thoughtful gestures, like bringing her coffee to school—even when she didn’t ask. Kris always made sure Candace had time to care for herself, and their love for each other was ever-present. They often exchanged the words, “I love you more.” Above all, Kris’s family was the most important thing in his life. He was a devoted husband to Candace and a loving father to their children. His world revolved around loving Candace, taking Hank on hunting adventures and cuddling Taylyn. Together they will always remember Kris’s laugh and smile. 

Kris was also a dedicated police officer for the Anaconda Police Department for almost 12 years. Here is where he found his true calling, working for the police department was more than just a job for Kris.  Over the years, he built strong bonds with his colleagues, who became more than coworkers, they became a second family. Kris was always worried about all of his fellow officers.  Even on his days off or on vacation he always made sure they all knew that they could call him day or night.  He took pride in what he did and impacted his community through his work.  Kris helped the community not only by keeping the streets safe, but he was also the lead officer in setting up “Active Shooter” training at different facilities.  Not only did he want to keep the streets safe but he also wanted to make sure everyone else knew how to keep themselves safe if they were ever in a situation.    

Kris is survived by his loving wife, Candace Vauthier; his children, Hank Vauthier (son) and Taylyn Vauthier (daughter); his parents, Bill Vauthier (father) and Kristie Vauthier (mother); his siblings, Jaye Vauthier (brother), Adam Vauthier (brother), and Amanda Dorow (sister); his grandmother, Margie Hoiland; and many other biological and chosen family members. Kris is also survived by his brothers and sisters in blue—the men and women of the Anaconda Police Department. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Al Hoiland, grandfather Marcie Vauthier, and his grandmother, Patricia Vauthier. 

If you were fortunate enough to meet Kris, even for 5 minutes, he left an imprint with his contagious smile and loud voice. Kris is gone too soon but left a large impact on his family, friends, and community he loved and cherished. Kris lived his life as loud and fast as he could. He will be forever missed.   

Celebration of His Life will be held at 12pm, Saturday, January 18, 2024, at Anaconda High School in the Memorial Gym,  699-601 Hickory St, Anaconda, MT 5971. Following the celebration of life service, a graveside service will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery on West 5th and Cottonwood in Anaconda. A reception will be held at the Old Montana Hotel, 809 Main St., Anaconda, following the graveside service. 

Please visit www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Kris.