A ‘291’ soldier of the Canadian Army Signal Corps
Vaughan came to 2 Sqn, 1 CSR in 1971 and immediately took to the Regimental lifestyle, selecting the Land element when all communications trades were re-badged. It was a lifestyle he thoroughly enjoyed.
Upon graduation from Gloucester, Vaughan’s military journey began at CFS LADNER, followed then to his first of three posting to 2 Sqn. From there, he served at various stations in Canada and abroad including exercises in Germany and numerous tours to Alert.
As he progressed in rank, promoted to SSM 2 Sqn, he became, to some, stern; only wanting for those under him to achieve their very best.
After his 1994 military retirement, Vaughan moved to the West Coast, working with the municipality of Tofino. Then moving to Qualicum Beach, BC he worked as a civilian RCMP employee. However, his health deteriorated forcing him into full retirement.
Vaughan suffered a significant heart attack and succumbed to his condition with family by his side August 11, 2025. He will be missed.
Rest in Peace, Soldier — Vaughan was 73.
Do not stand
By my grave, and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep—
I am the thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints in snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle, autumn rain.
As you awake with morning’s hush,
I am the swift, up-flinging rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight,
I am the day transcending night.
Do not stand By my grave, and cry—
I am not there, I did not die.
Immortality, by Clare Harner
The family has requested that no unauthorized or reproduction of this obituary is to be made.
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1 Comment To "David “Vaughan” Lee, CD (MWO, Ret’d)"
#1 Comment By Dave Highsted On October 22, 2025 @ 4:20 am
I was saddened to recently learn via the “291 grapevine” of Vaughan’s passing. We went through Basic and Gloucester together and over the years Masset, Inuvik and course Alert. We always found it a bit amusing that I started out “Land Element” and Vaughan “Air Element” as it was called then and he went RCSigs and myself
RCN at the by the end of our careers. Rest easy old friend