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Richard L. Vaughan ’45

BUXTON – Richard L. Vaughan, Sr., passed away on April 2, 2015 at The Gorham House. He was born and raised in Portland, Maine to Arthur B. and Evelyn (Leavitt) Vaughan, Richard attended Portland schools. He ran cross country at Deering High School, graduating in 1943. At Maine Maritime Academy he studied marine engineering and logged wartime service, graduating in 1945. It was during these years that he forged life-long friendships.

In 1947, he married Sally Blanchard and together they raised their five children in Portland. He worked 40 years at Palmer Spring Company, retiring in 1987 as Vice President and General Manager. Retirement years were spent at the home they built on land of the Rounds Homestead in Buxton.
For years, Richard was the “fish chowder man” at the Portland Marine Society, where he connected with many friends. He was an avid sports fan who loved the outdoors: fishing, gardening, walking, and spending time with family. For us who knew him well, Richard was a moral and ethical compass, a model of integrity and hard work, a man of heart and humor. Amid the challenge of dementia, his heart and humor have buoyed us all.
His is survived by his wife, Sally B. Vaughan, of Gorham; his sister, Joanne & husband Rick Hall, of Scarborough; his children, Deborah Vaughan of Buxton, Nancy & husband John McDonough of Buxton, Richard Vaughan, Jr. & wife Janet Griffin-Vaughan of South Berwick, Betsy Robinson & Don Heatley of Portland and David Vaughan & partner Bill Walsh of Waterville; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
His family is most grateful to the caring staff at Gorham House. At his request, there will be no funeral. Cremation was handled by Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service in Buxton, with interment of his ashes at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Auburn.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at the funeral home’s website www.mainefuneral.com.