Obituary of Duane William Vaughan
"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of Duane Vaughan.
Duane is the beloved friend, companion, confidente, sympathetic shoulder, adventure partner, co-paddler, encouraging co-cyclist, and drinking buddy of so many people on multiple continents that it is impossible to list everyone whose life his friendship has touched. He will be deeply missed by all.
Duane was also the beloved son, brother, cousin, nephew, and uncle to his family. He is survived by his parents, Brenda and Rodger Vaughan, his twin sister, Moira, his brothers, Steven and Ryan (Lisa Nutley), and his nephew, James.
An avid outdoors adventurist, Duane was always up for a hike (up hills usually reserved for mountain goats), a cycling trip (through the Arizona trail, the Colorado Rockies, most of Europe, or, maybe, just for a lark, across all of Canada), or a canoe trip (involving several portages through Algonquin park). Even though he could always leave his companions in the dust, Duane was patient and often backtracked to help out those who were trying their best to keep up with him.
With medical assistance, Duane was able to avoid the worst symptoms of the glioblastoma he had been fighting for a year and a half and passed peacefully on Friday October 28.
After his initial diagnosis, Duane underwent a highly effective initial surgery and rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in Nottingham, England. Fiona Whelan was vitally important to his recovery, and for her support both in England and during his final weeks in Ontario, his family will be forever grateful. Without her, we honestly don’t know what we would have done.
After his initial treatments, Duane was able to have a series of incredible adventures with his family and his friends in both England and Canada. He packed a lot of life into his last year, and the memories he helped to shape through those adventures will be treasured by those who loved him always.
When his cancer came back, Duane maintained a positive outlook and focused on maintaining those relationships he had fostered throughout his life. Despite being in pain all the time, Duane greeted his guests with a smile and saved all his energy for the windows of visiting time that he was able to handle.
Duane was fortunate to have the care of excellent staff at the Juravinski Hospital and at St. Peter’s Hospital in Canada, and he may not have been up to as many of the adventures as he had if not for the excellent care he received at the Nottingham City Hospital.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday Nov. 1 at Merritt’s Funeral Home on 287 Station St. in Smithville Ontario from 4-8 pm.
There will be a celebration of life to follow next summer.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, a cause very near and dear to Duane: it was what his 2010 Cross Canada Cardio Challenge cycling trip fundraised for. Other causes to support include the Canadian Cancer Society or Dying with Dignity Canada."
