Vaughan, David John
A funny and generous man, Dave Vaughan passed away at Errinrung Long Term Care Home in Thornbury on Sunday, October 2, at the age of 93.
Dave was a devoted husband to Audrey Watson, loving father to Susan and Carole (Tim), grandpa to Kurtis (Kate), Adam (Agnes) and Robert and great grandpa to Emma, Natalie, Victoria and William. He was much loved by surviving sister Dorothy and brother Bob (Gabi) and was always treasured by his nephews and nieces. Dave was predeceased by his daughter Nancy.
He was born in Toronto to John and Ella Vaughan. They had seven children when they immigrated from Wales, and had three more, including Dave, in their new home.
Dave worked in the insurance industry for over 60 years, joining Reid Shaw & McNaught after finishing high school. He moved to Topp, Truscott & Company, but returned to Reids 22 years later. He finished his career with his good friends John and Diane Carlton at Canadian Livestock Insurance.
He loved his years specializing in insurance for race horses and farms so much that he worked until age 80. Dave knew the famous players in the Canada’s racing industry as well as smaller breeders. The social parts of the job suited him well and he enjoyed attending races such as the Queen’s Plate, high profile horse sales and charity galas often held at the farms of celebrated horse owners.
Dave was known to be a very competitive curler and euchre player. Curling was his sport, and he was a member at several Toronto clubs, finishing his ‘curling career’ in Meaford. And if you were his partner in cards, you needed to know what you were doing! Once retired, he became very involved in the Meaford Rotary Club and was well known for selling lots of tickets for the annual fundraisers.
Dave and Audrey met as teenagers at their first jobs and remained friends throughout their marriages to others. Sparks flew when they got together in their 60s, and they were married within a few short months, announcing their new lives together with a big party. Dave and Audrey had a wonderful adventure together for 32 years. They shared a passion for travelling and once circled the globe in a single trip, visiting friends at each stop. Florida was their winter home for many years and again they made good friends where ever they went. A special friend Topsy shared many trips and all the fun.
Meaford began as a weekend place but Dave loved small town life and the view over the harbour, so they made their home there for the last 12 years. He swam in Georgian Bay most days from May 24th until well into October.
Dave will be remembered for his quick-witted humor, ready laugh and zest for life. He loved to sing and tell bad jokes. He was one of a kind and will be truly missed.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Errinrung and the Meaford Hospital for the wonderful care Dave received in his last months.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Meaford Hall, 2nd floor, 12 Nelson St. E, Meaford ON on Friday, October 14, from 2 until 4 p.m.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Meaford Hospital Foundation would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
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Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Audrey, my sincere condolences in the loss of your dear husband David. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marg Lowe
Thursday, October 6, 2022
My condolences to Dave’s family, I appreciated my talks with him in the blue condo and I appreciated how kind he was to my aging parents when they were neighbours.
Thursday, October 6, 2022
We love you Dave.
Thursday, October 6, 2022
Our condolences to you Carole (Tim), Susan and Audrey on the passing of Dave. We have many a fond memory of Dave over the years. Sending you all love and strength as you navigate this time of grief. Love Olivia, Patrick, Holly & Eric
Thursday, October 6, 2022
Sincere condolences to Audrey, Carole and family. I remember Dave sitting with us at my mom’s bedside on the last day of her life. Always such a charming, funny man. He will be missed. ❤️
Thursday, October 6, 2022
Our deepest condolences to the entire Vaughan family and to Audrey. His youthful spirit, sharp sense of humour and wit will be missed. RIP Dave. Sean, Lynn and Keegan.
Thursday, October 6, 2022
So very sorry to hear of Uncle Dave’s passing. He was such a lovely man.
Thursday, October 6, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of dear David. I always remember his wonderful voice as he read scripture at Meaford United Church. May your memories bring you comfort,
Thursday, October 6, 2022
Dear Audrey and family, sorry to hear about Dave passing he was a great brother with a deep sense of family and a great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.
Friday, October 7, 2022
Sending condolences from Dave’s New Zealand family. I always loved visiting Uncle Dave’s house as a child and we were very lucky to have Dave and Audrey come to New Zealand in 2000. Thinking of you all, Andrea, Tim and Annabelle
Friday, October 7, 2022
Audrey and family, so sad to hear of Dave’s passing. Our condolences to you all. We always loved his humour and our conversations. Bless you all.
Brian and Trudi
Friday, October 7, 2022
Dear Audrey and family, sincere condolences from all of us here in the UK. We often recall fond memories of visits to us and various characterful phrases Dave would come out with such as ‘time for a little glass of wine’, ‘got any green tea’. We will not forget him.
David, Helena, Andrew, Sophia and Kathryn.
Friday, October 7, 2022
Audrey and family our sincere condolences. Dave was always ready to have a conversation and of course tell a few jokes he will certainly be missed by many. You are certainly in our prayers Audrey.
Saturday, October 8, 2022
Uncle Dave was also my Godfather. You couldn’t have met a kinder person. I have great memories as both our families would get together so often and have so much fun. My deepest condolences to Audrey and the entire Vaughan family. Our thoughts will be with all of you. Love, Glen and Dorothy Wilkinson (nee Vaughan).
Saturday, October 8, 2022
Dear Audrey and family, I have such super memories of spending time with you, Topsy and David on the west coast of Florida. You both were such good friends to Topsy for so very many years and shared some very special times together. I hope those happy memories will help you get weather this very difficult time.
Sue Tempest (Topsy’s niece).
Saturday, October 8, 2022
Audrey,
Although we have only been neighbours here in Meaford for a year, we will miss Dave’s wit and sense of humour.
Deepest condolences to family and friends you have all over the world!
gyda chariad ( with love),
Lorna and Mark Ashworth
Monday, October 10, 2022
Dave was a character and a half! Sneeky sense of humour popped out from time to time..and we thought he was quiet! Always listening, always engaged, always shared his jokes and opinions! Everyone loved and adored this man..such a dear heart! I was thrilled when my long time friend Audrey met and married him! They were a fabulous twosome… always bantering in a loving and fun way! So grateful he came into Audreys life and loved and cared for her so much…a true treasure; a fine gentleman; and a good sport..Doug and I will miss our many get-togethers..Ride on into the sunset honey! Love Always Carole
Thursday, October 13, 2022
R.I.P my most wonderful Dad. Love you forever. Carole xo
Thursday, October 13, 2022
Uncle Dave was a lovely man. Kind and generous, with a quick wit and ready smile, he always made you feel welcome. Although I did not see him often, connecting with him on the phone was always easy and felt like you picked up where you left the last time.
I will always remember his sweetness to my sons whenever we got together.
Dave will surely be missed but we are all better for having known him.
Audrey, Susan, Carole and family, deepest sympathy from me, Audrey, Aidan and Griffin.