Charles Lindsey Vaughn

November 13, 1953-February 3, 2011

Was born as the 7th and final child to Robert Allen and Vera Lorraine Vaughn in Amarillo, Texas. On an unstoppable trajectory, Charles burned an indelible course through the lives of friends, family, and those who had the fortune of being caught in his way. Always industrious, Charles started work early with a paper route in Tulsa, OK where he spent young years and still has many good friends from Marquette grade school and Bishop Kelley high school. When the family moved to Houston, TX, he worked in a Dog Grooming Salon. Then, at 16, while attending St Thomas Academy, he assisted in many a gruesome scene as a surgical tech at Ben Taub Trauma Center which inspired him to soon earn LVN Nursing credentials. In 1972, he accompanied his sister Maggie on his first visit to San Francisco, a city ready to reciprocate all of the fervor, ambition and love that Charles had to offer. He became a Licensed Cosmetologist and 'fluffed' any willing head. Working as an LVN and applying his hair styling skills, Charles supplemented his income while he earned his RN certification at SF City College which spawned a successful and diverse medical career that would last for the rest of his life. Through the SF Nurses' Registry, Charles worked as an RN at many of the SF/Bay Area hospitals where in 1979 Charles met and nursed August Sebastiani and developed a cherished relationship with the Sebastiani family, working for a time at the winery in Sonoma, CA. Charles broadened his Nursing perspective by joining the Traveling Nurses organization and even traveled a bit in 1981with Doctors Without Borders, then squeezed in a personal trip to the Far East in1983 with his dear Traveling Nurse friend, Dan Cox. As the 80's and AIDS consumed Gay communities, Charles entwined his medical skills with activism; attending conferences and promoting the latest AIDS research for better health care of those stricken with the disease, he was a champion in the medical AIDS community. As Charles continued his Nursing career, his indomitable drive devoured a Real Estate License in 1987 and he signed on with BJ Droubi Realty in SF where he was a popular and successful Realtor, being their top producer one year. As he worked both as a Nurse and a Realtor, he ultimately landed a home of his own on Potrero Hill. In 1990, he swapped homes for a year with jewelry-making friends in Cuernavaca, Mexico. He hoped to develop 'El Castilito' as a Tourist Destination, adding yet another amazing adventure to his already bulging list of 'what's next?': Hotel Host. Charles was handsome and cosmopolitan, a charming risk taker. His intellect and wit were as sharp as his tongue. His curiosity and perseverance allowed him to become proficient in sculpture, photography, floral arrangement, upholstery, carpentry, landscaping, interior design and ultimate party host - he loved to show people a great time. His parties were legendary! Charles had the rare gifts of visualization and execution which were synergistically enhanced by Michael Behney, a friend he'd known since the 70's and who became his life partner in 1995 when together they decided to leave the City and head for the hills: Arcata, CA and 8 country acres found by his sister, Andrea, who lived nearby. In 1996, Charles and Michael opened the 'Pottery Farm' on the Arcata square which not only fired the painted pieces of their customers, but expanded commercial exposure for local pottery artisans. They also introduced exotic wares from the wholesale import markets in SF. It was a beautiful store! While operating the store, Charles continued Nursing with the Open Door Community Clinics and various local hospitals; Michael was hired as Arcata's 'Mr. Main Street', organizing annual Civic events - the boys were well connected in their new home where, all along and with immense struggle, they had set about converting their overgrown, mundane acreage into epic beauty by constructing a one-of-a-kind house and grounds which glow with their artistic souls. Michael passed away on February 10th, 2008 and Charles died peacefully February 3rd, 2011 leaving behind siblings Vicki Coble, Mark Vaughn, Andrea Vaughn, Maggie Vaughn, Christine Vaughn, one paternal aunt and innumerable cousins, nieces and nephews. (Charles was pre-deceased by oldest brother Michael Vaughn on February 2nd, 2000). Charles' death was a too-soon tragic loss for us all - but what a thrill to have known him and be uplifted by his love of all things fabulous! Some give it all in one great flame Throwing kisses as they pass Memorial Service for Charles is pending. For those wishing to honor Charles' memory and all he gave us, donations may be made in his name to: Open Door Community Health Centers 670 Ninth Street, Suite 203 Arcata, CA 95521 (707) 826-8633 x5131 Arrangements under the direction of Paul's Chapel, Arcata, CA 707-822-2445, www.paulschapel.com.

Published in Eureka Times-Standard on February 23, 2011