Richard “RM” Vaughan is remembered as a kind, charismatic and well-mannered person who had the courage to be his true self and stand up for his beliefs.
Born in Saint John on March 2, 1965, Richard grew up in Quispamsis and spent summers at the family’s home in St. Martins. After graduating from KVHS in 1983, Richard completed his BA in English in 1987 at UNB Saint John, and earned his MA in English in 1991 at UNB Fredericton.
After graduation, Richard moved to Toronto and became well-known in the city’s art and literary scene. He was a regular arts columnist and critic for several newspapers and magazines – including the Globe and Mail and the National Post – and was a board member and arts editor of This Magazine. He was a contributor to a variety of publications and anthologies, and published several books in multiple genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama, in addition to the creation of several short films.
Richard returned to UNB for the 2019-20 academic year to serve as writer-in-residence. Aside from writing, Richard loved crafting, gardening and keeping in touch with his many friends from across Canada and beyond.
Richard died on Oct. 23, 2020, and will be missed by all who knew him. He was an important mentor and guide to many in the literary, art and LGBTQ+ communities. The RM Vaughan Memorial Scholarship has been established to honour the life and work of a valued member of the UNB community.
You may support the RM Vaughan Memorial Scholarship by donating online or by mailing a contribution to our offices in Saint John or Fredericton. Thank you for your support.
We encourage you to share this page with family, friends and colleagues who may have known Richard, and to help honour his memory by making a gift in support of the memorial fund at UNB online or by mail.
Establishing named scholarships, bursaries or other funds is an easy and meaningful way to ensure that you or someone you care about is remembered with a special connection to UNB. Contact us to learn more.
