Dr. George Vaughan

Dr. George Ernest Ryan Vaughan of Chatham and formerly of Wallaceburg passed away peacefully with family by his side in Chatham on June 6, 2025 at the age of 88. George was the son of the late Ernest Edmunds & Thelma (Carvalho) Vaughan. Beloved husband of Una Wilson and the late Veronica (Clough) Vaughan. Loving father of Rupert (Sherry Knutson), Helen Vaughan and Vanessa Vaughan (Julian Doan). Dear grandfather of Xavier, Dominic, Alexandra Cedeno and Antonio Cedeno. Born in India and weaned on spice, George never lost his love for fiery hot curries. A rugby player as a youth, George won admission to the prestigious medical school at Trinity College at Cambridge University. During his surgical residency, while driving his Austin Healey convertible, he picked up a tall, beautiful woman off the street who would later become his wife Veronica. Shortly after, they emigrated to Canada, had three children and eventually settled in Wallaceburg, realizing George’s dream of practicing as a country surgeon. He relished his time at Sydenham District Hospital, fought for years to keep it open and was heartbroken to see it closed. George taught his son Rupert how to drive cars and pilot boats at age 13 so he could enjoy his burgeoning wine collection safely. That wine collection was broken into a few times by Helen and her friends but rather than scolding her for drinking, he instead asked her not to choose the most expensive wine next time. By the time Vanessa was interested in the wine collection, she had already learned where the hidden key was and George was none the wiser. George was a committed husband, who after his wife was diagnosed with M.S., continued to stand by her and ensure their lives were filled with travel and enjoyment with dignity and love. After Veronica passed away in 2010, George slowed his practice down and revisited his childhood hobbies of golf and reading, eventually fully retiring in 2015. As a curious gentleman, he embarked on several cruises throughout the world and enjoyed theatre, fine art and cultural excursions until the pandemic in 2020. During the pandemic, George suffered a heart attack and miraculously survived triple bypass surgery, giving him a new lease on life. In 2023 he met Una and fell in love. The two married in August of 2024 and were extremely happy. George and Una complimented one another with their high fashion looks. They were regular fixtures on the dance floor of the Erieau Yacht Club. Una and George were able to travel to Panama and throughout the Caribbean together. George sparked a love of cars in Una and convinced her to drive him everywhere so he could continue to enjoy his now overflowing wine collection. Some of those trips were long drives to Chicago to visit his son and explore the cultural and epicurean scene there. Over the past 6 months George finally began to show his age and with the help of Una, smoothly transitioned to simpler, quieter things. Family and Friends are invited for visitation at the Haycock-Cavanagh Funeral Home, 409 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg on Tuesday, June 17 from 11 am – 12:45 pm. A Funeral Mass of the Resurrection at Our Lady Help of Christians Church will follow at 1 PM. Interment in Riverview Cemetery. If desired, donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada may be left at the funeral home 519.627.3231. Cherished stories and tributes may be left for the family at www.CavanaghFuneralHome.ca