Contributions to the tribute of Richard Vaughan

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Dawn Boyd posted a condolence

Thursday, November 12, 2020

I used to walk in and my mother would say, 'Is that another sweater from that Richard?' She hadn't even met him but his trademark generosity already preceded him. We each moved away from Saint John, and our friendship consisted of visits, letters, postcards – and a constant stream of gifts, crafted or unearthed – for the next 35 years, until he moved to Montreal. When I thought of how he was putting this level of love and effort into all of his many friendships, I'd think, 'how exhausting!' But never for a day did he overlook a prime directive to keep bonds thriving. He was generous with his love, and he had more than enough to share. He strove to unify people, push them together or beyond their limits and comfort zones; he was a voice for those who doubted themselves. I know because I was one of them. I was always so proud to be his friend. I was amazed by his staunch friendship despite how wide his circle grew. I can't fit how much love I have for Richard inside this paragraph. I will always miss his laughter, his biting wit, his relentless encouragement, the evenings when we sat talking for hours, laughing 'til we cried, being genuine and open, until whoops it's 2am and we thought it was only 10. I will miss you always. My heart truly goes out to all his loved ones. With boundless love and a broken heart, Goodbye my dear friend - xo D Boyd

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Heather Browne posted a condolence

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Richard was a professional writer who cared about NB writers. He was inspirational for many of us in our early careers and through This magazine. His reading at the Tipsy Muse this past year was energetic and fun detailing his relation to his dad on his ham radio. We have lost a keen mind and fulsome spirit, and an opportunity to grow in our writing careers.

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Sue McCluskey posted a condolence

Monday, November 2, 2020

Richard and I met in 1985. I remember it well; it was at our campus radio station. He made a scathing comment about one of my then-favourite bands, Bauhaus. (His review: “Ugh, every song starts with a screech of feedback, and then just furious noise. It’s heavy metal dressed up as art.”) Rather than be defensive, I was smitten: with his wit, his insight, his panache. From there, and over the years, our friendship only deepened, as our paths crossed repeatedly in Saint John, Fredericton and Toronto. Always, no matter how brightly his star shone, no matter how far his career and travels took him, he remained steadfastly kind, loyal and supportive to his friends old and new. While in Toronto, he always made time for me and my family, Carey and James. We would talk about our careers, my son, our various nieces and nephews (he was immensely proud of his), and of course ideas. So many ideas, and such a magnificent mind. I always assumed Richard would be as much a constant in my future as he had been in my past. I’m going to miss him terribly, but, like many, I’m grateful to have had any time with him. Paul, Lori and family, I hope you take some comfort in knowing that Richard’s influence has meant so much to so many people. We are all better and brighter for having been drawn into his circle.

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Clarissa Hurley posted a condolence

Sunday, November 1, 2020

Richard and I met in Fredericton as MA students at UNB in the late 1980s, and so began 3 decades of steadfast friendship. I performed in one of his first plays in Buddies in Bad Times’ Rhubarb festival and I directed the Fredericton production of his final one two summers ago. Richard’s intellect and creativity were unbounded. A natural leader, he was a tireless voice for LGBQT people, and a mentor to fellow artists and writers. Above all he was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend. May we be grateful for the time we had with him and honour his memory by being generous and loving to one another.

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Maria Kubacki posted a condolence

Saturday, October 31, 2020

I met Richard at UNB-SJ when we were both English students in the late 80s. I don't remember exactly how or why we became friends but, like many, I fell in love with his brains, wit and style. We became inseparable, and throughout our twenties he was my brother/sister/party date/confidante. We kept in touch until just a few days before his death, despite living in different cities for the last few decades - Richard had a gift for friendship and even as his circle keep getting wider and wider, he somehow still managed to make time for everyone. He was a brilliant writer, a great party guest, a devoted and loving friend, a passionate and fearless queer activist, and a mentor to many, as well as a loving son, brother and uncle. What a huge, gaping hole he leaves. I will miss him forever. My condolences to his family and his many, many friends.

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Rob Moran posted a condolence

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Paul and family, very sorry for your loss Rob and Tami Moran

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Michele Morrell Pineo posted a condolence

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Condolences to your family Paul. My sisters and I remember fondly of being your neighbors, and playmates. Ricky was a fun kid to hang out with. This is such a sad time. Rest easy Rick. Michele, Debbie, Karen Morrell

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Carol Graves posted a condolence

Thursday, October 29, 2020

To the family of Ricky Vaughan, Our deepest condolences and sympathy are with you. Love, Carol Graves and Family (Debbie and Paul).

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Debbie Murphy Eden uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Richard was my brother, my girlfriend, my other husband, my schoolmate, my co-conspirator, my boyfriend, my husband's bud, my babysitter, my champion, my roommate, my proofreader, my insomnia pal, my erstwhile date and my life-long confidant. Any words I conjure are wispy shadows of what he actually means to me and meant to my crazy life. I will miss him, every day and in every way, but I will forever be heartened by the deepest gratitude and joy for having had him in my life .... at all. Sleep tight, Richard. Condolences to his family, friends, proteges and his legion of admirers.

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Trish Adam posted a condolence

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Richard went to KVHS with my younger brother, John Adam, and we all hung out very frequently at our house or at the Vaughan household. I thank him for introducing me to Talking Heads, as well as many other "out there" bands in the 80s. We had lost touch over the years but ran into each other in Montreal once, immediately taking up where we left off. We had great fun together. We had moved from Burlington, Ontario to Gondola Point at a time in our lives where we were very unhappy to be there - late teens...and we developed great friendships with him, my brother and I. I'm sad, but feeling fortunate to have known him in his developmental years, so to speak. Rest easy, Richard. The struggle is over now. Trish xo

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Patty Donovan posted a condolence

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

My deepest and heartfelt condolences to Richard's family and friends. He left an indelible mark every where he went and will be remembered for his wit and compassion. The earth is far poorer without you on her.

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Chris Pauley posted a condolence

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Richard and I went to Junior High, High School and undergrad at more or less the same time (he was a year younger than me) and we had lots of good conversations over the years. For Richard, being gay in Rothesay/Quispamsis in the 80s was doubtless a hard road, and, as is the way of fellow "outsiders" (when we met I was the "new kid" in Grade 9, having moved from Saint John, and I was pretty quiet, got good grades, was kind of on the artsy/abstract side and an overall "good boy") we had a certain kinship. I think, in that way that those who aren't one of the "cool kids" do, he recognized that we were part of the same general club - consequently, he was always nice to me, and we kept in touch at least up till I moved away for grad school in 1988. Probably crossed paths a few times out at clubs in Saint John in the 80s when I was playing in various bands, and it was always good to see him! I kind of lost touch with him after that, as his career started to take off, and while I knew he'd been quite accomplished as a writer, didn't realize the degree of his success until this past week. Quite a guy, and I'll always appreciate his kindness to 15 year old dorky me. Sending warm wishes and condolences to his family and his many friends.

Liz Rosenfeld posted a condolence

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Richard is hugely beloved in the Berlin LGBTQIA+ community. His friends here are celebrating his memory and all the radical, intelligent and queer beauty and solidarity he shared with us during the years he lived in this city. He will always be remembered with deep love by his queer berlin family.

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David Mennier posted a condolence

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

My condolences to Richard's family. We studied English together at UNB in the 80s and got to explore all sorts of creative pursuits with a great group of friends there. We've managed to all keep in touch over the years and we're so proud of Richard's professional and community accomplishments, such as his widely published works. But also, and perhaps less known, the time he took to help others find their voice and the efforts he took to help to get these stories told. So Richard, thank you for your words, thoughts and kindness.

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Carl Tilley posted a condolence

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Paul Elaine and I extend our sympathies to you and your family at this sad time.Being a younger brother myself I enjoyed your brotherly comments . Sorry for your loss Carl Tilley

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Ann Campbell posted a condolence

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Tricia Shannon (Chris) I am so very sorry to learn of your Uncle's passing. Please know that myself and the girls (Michelle and Christa) extend our sincere condolences for the hardship and loss to your entire families. Your Uncle sounds like he was a wonderful caring person. Ann (Shannon) Campbell

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Bernard Cormier posted a condolence

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Sympathies and condolences to Richard's family and friends. In my capacity as Cultural Affairs Officer for the City of Saint John I had many dealings with Richard, in his early days as a writer and artist. I provided free space for his readings and promoted them to the public. He had a brilliant mind. I always enjoyed listening to his ideas. He was definitely a thought leader when it came to questions posed about art disciplines. He made a significant contribution to the arts locally and nationally. I am saddened that we have lost him. May he rest in peace. Most sincerely.

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The family of Richard Vaughan uploaded a photo

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Richard Vaughan

1965 - 2020