"Vaughn and Terry, you helped me so much in my early recovery. I remember bringing my mom to your home. She was in despair about my dad?s drinking and I brought her to you so you might help her, with lots of prayers on my part. You gave her love, understanding and help, bless you both. Dad eventually died with more than 25 years sobriety and the two of them so close and in love. I remember calling Vaughn not long after treatment, complaining of terrible headache. He hesitated and said ?brain cancer, right?? I feel at peace and with love, just writing this. I love you both."
In loving memory of
Vaughn E. Wright
December 8, 1928 - March 16, 2002
Vaughn E. Wright, 73, of 119 Pinebrook Drive, Marquette, died Saturday afternoon, March 16, 2002 peacefully at home after an 11 month illness with his loving wife and the comfort and support of U.P. Home Hospice at his side.
Vaughn was born on December 8, 1928 in Nebraska to the late Edgar and Armelia (Reed) Wright. He served in Korea during World War II with the U.S. Army.
In his earlier years, Vaughn worked as a printer in Nebraska and Wyoming. He then became a substance abuse counselor, completing his studies at Hazelden in Minnesota. He worked as a substance abuse counselor at Marquette General Hospital, retiring in 1990. Vaughn was a published author having written the book From Addiction to Serenity.
He enjoyed playing the harmonica and loved to sing. Vaughn was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Gwinn and often led bible study classes in his home.
He is survived by his wife, Terrlyn Terry of Marquette whom he married on April 21, 1974 at Quinnesec, Michigan; one son, Michael Vaughn (Susan) Wright of Sanbornville, NY; one daughter, Rhonda Sue (Bernie) Masimer of Glenwood Springs, CO; one brother, Alanson (Peggy Jo) Wright of San Jose, CA; also five grandchildren, one great granddaughter and two nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Juvae Satterley.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2002 at 7 p.m. in the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home with pastor Mac Woody of Shiloh Baptist Church officiating. Inurnment will take place in Northland Chapel Gardens. The family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral home beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider the needs of the family c/o Terrlyn Wright, 119 Pinebrook Drive, Marquette, MI 49855.
Tributes
"It is nine years since you left----seems just like yesterday we said good-bye! I still miss you so."
"Vaughn was a very good friend of mind. He was a great success for me through my recovery, I could always count on Vaughn to be there for me. He was a very hnonest man, that I could trust. I will rally miss him. Love ya Vaughn D. Brassard"
"A very wonderful and kind person has left us. He was VERY special to me, and I will miss him dearly"
"He was the love of my life and I will miss him so much. My heart hurts by his loss."
"Our thoughts are with you Terry and family, on the loss of Vaughn. We will miss him."
"Vaughn was like my big brother always there when I just needed to talk. He also had that big shoulder I could go to, he will be missed by all."
"Tom and I will always remember Vaughn. He made a very large differance in our lives, we shall never forget him. Our thoughts are with you Terry, and family love, Tom and Eve Jagielo"
"Just like a gift from the hand of God, Vaughn and Terry came into my life just when I needed them most. Vaughn made such a difference in my life. The love he shared with us lives after him ,it will continue to grow in those who need it and we will always think of him and smile. Rest in Peace, Vaughn. Love, Marlene"
"Dear Terry, Roger and I were so sorry to hear about Vaughn. He will be missed by so many people. It's important to us that you know we are grieving for and with you. We hope all the wonderful memories you have of your friend and husband are a comfort to you. "Mourn not too long that he is gone - but rejoice forever that he was.""
"Well Dad, if wishes were stars we'd have a universe. All we have to do is look to the heavens and be reminded of all the people whos lives you have touched and our universe becomes real. Miss you so much Dad. Love Mike and Sue"
"Vaughn will always remain in my heart. I will see him someday when I am gathered on High."
"It's hard to write in just a few lines all of the wonderful things my Dad meant to me. I've tried to put it in words but just am not able. The bond shared between a father and son some times is just too precious. I Love you Dad. God Bless You, Mike"
"We are so sorry we can't be there for you as we are in Fl. but our prayers are with you and your family. Vaughn touched our lives and we will be forever greatful for his wisdom, humor and friendship. Love and Sympathy Patti and Bill"
"Vaughn saved my life, I do miss him so."
"Vaughn was one of the 3 sweetest guys in my life, I loved him so much, he was a 2nd dad to me. He has helped me through the rough spot's in life. I sure am going to miss him. He will alway's be in my heart. Love you, Vaughn Cammi Peterson"
"Although I never met Vaughn in person, He was a true friend, as well as a great E-Mail friend. I will truly miss his Humor, words of encouragement, etc. Am looking foreward to meeting him in Heaven. May God Bless you Terry and the rest of your family."
"Your loving wife."
"Your loving brother and sister-in-law"
"Terry, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Vaughn was such a funny and sweet man, couldn't help but love him. Take care of you Terry...we miss you around here. Love, Apes Vaughn will always stay close in our memories. From the first day I met him, I quickly learned that under that ruff gruff exterior,lay the heart of a saint and a wonderful friend. Vaughn is one of the greatest men I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. His freindship and mentoring will never be forgoten. Terry please know that you are in my heart and prayers. love Dr. Steve"
"Vaughn was known to us as "Brother Vaughn". I had the honor of being his pastor for the last several years. Brother Vaughn was a man that loved the Lord,life and humor. My wife (Kathy) and I would enjoy very much setting at their dining room table fellowshiping and drinking coffee. Vaughns love for the Lord was very evident. He wanted very much to see the new church building that is currently under construction to be finished before he went home to be with the Lord. The last time he was with me at the church property, he placed a $100 bill in my hand and said, "use it for the new building". The Lord called Brother Vaughn home befor the building was completed, however, at his request, We will have a memorial service for him in June in the new church building that he was a part of. I look forward to seeing Brother Vaughn in Heaven or the Rapture. We love him very much and he will be missed. I wish to also express that the Lord gave Brother Vaughn a wonderful wife. Terry gave up her job and experienced financial difficullty in order to love and care for Brother Vaughn in his time of sickness. Terry is an inspiration to us all in her love and loyalty. I am sure that Terry would covet your prayers at this time. We love you too Terry!!"
"Uncle Vaughn will be greatly missed but we have many fond memories to hold on to. We love you, Aunt Terry, and our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Vaugh was one of the Greatest men I knew. Next to Jack and my own father. He would NOT set me free from Relapse Prevention. What a guy. He was extremely instrumental in my recovery. Terry.. I know you are crushed right now. I am crushed for you. But Vaughn is with Jack now. Smiling down on us. Still taking care of us. Keeping us safe. THIS I KNOW FOR SURE I am here anytime day or night. If you need anything , Just call me. I love you very much..Paula"
"Aunt Terry, I am thinking about you "Auntie Woof!" Uncle Vaughn will be missed, but never forgotten. His thoughful, calm ways always seemed to help to make sense of anything and everything. I wish I could be there to give you a big hug, and to "decorate your car." I can hear Uncle Vaughn laughing now! With love, Jody"
"Terry and Family, My prayers and thoughts are with all of you. I haven't seen Vaughn in many years but I have such fond memories of him in my childhood. He was a very special man! In Christian love, Connie (Chopping) Murray"
"May peace be with you Terri."
"my thoughts and prayers are with you terry. vaughn will be missed be all of us. I know now that I would not have made it without him. He refused to let me give up."
"His daughter has been a great influence in my life and if it were not for him she wouldn't be here to be a blessing to all she touches."
"Oh brother Vaughn, we really hardly knew ye! Safe journey in your new life--I promise you this, Terry will be in good hands."
"My dad was very courageous in his last months. I shall never forget him dancing and singing in his kitchen with a cane in one hand and his other hand on the kitchen counter as he made his way to the back room to take his meds. He kept a cheerful, trusting attitude as he committed himself to God's hands. Terry, thank you for your steadfastness in his care to the very last. In January as I read Isaiah to dad he had me go back to and repeat this verse again: "In all their affliction he (the Lord) was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them and carried them all the days of old." Isaiah 63:9 It comforted Dad greatly to know that Jesus was identifying with his suffering. May we all be comforted by that for ourselves now as we yield Dad up to God. With you in spirit. Love, Rhonda and family"
"With fond memories of Vaughn from old friends in Wyoming. Our love and prayers to Terry and all the family."
"Terry, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. If you need anything just call. Love Sherri"
""I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Tim. 4:7-8 My Grandpa was a wonderful man, and will be greatly missed, but in time we will meet him again in that glorious sky. Nana, we pray for your heart to be eased by the love of our Lord Jesus, and the comfort of your friends and family. Stay close to us, we love you and will always be here for you. Your loving grandchildren, Nikki and Kevin"
"Nana, I love you and my heart is with you always. Each day I wrap you up in a great big hug for all you have done to help Grandpa. He remains in my heart as the wittiest man I'll ever know and a Grandpa I'll never stop loving. There are so many gifts he has blessed us all with that it is impossible to forget. [I love you Grandpa. Thank you for introducing me to peanut butter on hotdogs :)]"
"Even though I didn't really know Vaughn all that well, I still knew what he's done so much for my family, and how much everyone loved him, He was always a good spirited guy that was really easy to talk to...his love will remain forever and ever...and never to be forgotten. We all know he's watching over us. Take care Terry- LOVE YOU Cassie."
"Vaughn was a good friend who will never be forgotten. He'll live in our hearts forever. He saw us through good times and bad...He was always good spirited and made us laugh. We will miss him dearly... Love Tom, And Sharon."
"my sympathy to you and your family ozzie (ups)"
"Bro, At the exact time of your memorial service I sat quietly at home thinking of you. And all the good and happy times we had together. One of my memories was one night when I was very little and had gone to bed. Your sister Juvae and I were awakened by the sound of ducks quacking. Dad came into the room and we told him what we had heard. He comforted us and kind of chuckled telling us that there were no ducks in the house and that a little brother had come to live with us and we could see him in the morning. That was the beginning of many happy times and rememeberances. After reading all the good and wonderful things your friends have said about you all I can add is ----- Vaughn! Vaughn! Vaughn! Your are better man than I am Brother Vaughn!!! Bro Jim"
"Wish you were here! It's not the same w/o you . But I know you are happy now. In a blink of an eye I will be with you. love Always, Bunkin"
"Honey, I still miss you so ! But, I know you are singing in a much better place! I love you! Bunkin"
"I still miss you so! Love, your Bunkin"
"It's four months today since you had to leave---I love you still and miss you honey!"
"10 months since you left--I miss you so ! You were my world. Thank you, honey for 30 wonderful years!!! Your Bunkin"
"Here I am again----gosh, I sure do miss you today. I think I am ok then it all comes flooding back!! If we could turn back the clock----. I love you always, your bunkin"
"I have not forgotten you and I know I will miss you as long as I live. Loved you when we first met and I love you yet today. Your Bunkin"
"I still miss the biggest blessing He ever gave me-- That was Vaughn. One day we will be together again."
"It's been 2 years since you left---will I ever stop missing you?"