Family, friends, fans, former players and community leaders were among the 400 that gathered to pay tribute to late Dr. Bob Vaughan. Fittingly, the ceremony was held at centre ice at the Yardmen Arena. (Now CAA Arena) where his Belleville Bulls, under his 25-year ownership, called home.
Dr. Vaughan passed away on May 15 at the age of 81.
“Doc’s” ashes were contained in his medical bag and driven through a ceremonial honour guard in his Jaguar to the stage located at centre ice.
The audience included former players from every era dating back to their two years in the Provincial Junior “A” Hockey League (1979-1981) followed by 23 years in the Ontario Hockey League (1981-2004). Former coaches Larry Mavety, Lou Crawford and James Boyd were in attendance. Boyd held the distinction of first playing for the Bulls, then returning as an assistant coach and head coach. He and former captain Craig Mills offered personal tributes to “Doc”.
Also speaking were daughters Tari Lee Hayes and Lisa Shunock and grand children Nic Shunock, Liam Hayes and Eric Hayes.
Words of tribute were offered by friend and medical associate Dr. Liam Hayes and Vaughan’s longtime nurse Stella Newell.
The themes were constant. Vaughan was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. A man whose extended family included hundreds. A caring doctor, fun loving and generous.
Bob Vaughan is survived by his wife Lois, children Teri Lee Hayes, Lisa Shunuck, Brad Vaughan and Tanya Maron, his 10 grandchildren Eric and Liam Hayes, Zac, Nic and Mattea Shunock, Hayden and Mitchell Vaughan, Abby and Ethan Zaichik, and Liv Maron, and great-grandchildren Audrey and Emmett Shunock.
