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Arthur Harris Vaughan Jr.

1934 - 2015

Arthur Vaughan Obituary

Arthur H. Vaughan, PhD
July 19, 1934 - May 2, 2015

Arthur Harris Vaughan Jr. died on May 2 at his home in Sierra Madre. Born in Salem, Ohio, he was a graduate of Cornell, and recieved his doctorate in Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy from the U of Rochester. From the time he was awarded a Carnegie Institution Fellowship at Mt. Wilson in 1964, his career path included involvement with countless optical design projects at The Observatories in Pasadena, Perkin Elmer, Caltech and JPL, including the HK Photometer at Mt. Wilson, Carnegie's Las Campanas DuPont telescope in Chile, AVIRIS, Galex, the Mars Spectrometer Telescope, and the Hubble Wide Field Planetary Camera, both as an original designer, and as part of the repair.
He leaves his wife, Anne, a son Erik Vaughan, of Phoenix, three stepchildren, Tony Morrison (Heather), Chris Morrison (Lori) and Elizabeth Morrison Walters (Jon) all of Sierra Madre, and 6 grandchildren.
A co-founder, one-time director, and trustee of the non-profit Mount Wilson Institute, Dr. Vaughan's efforts were invaluable in the preservation of this historic facility where science continues today. He asked that donations in his honor be made to the Mount Wilson Institute, PO Box 94146 Pasadena, CA 91109

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pasadena Star-News on May 7, 2015.

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Eric Fossum

July 9, 2017

I was thinking of Art this morning, and sadly I found this page. I worked a little with Art at JPL and he helped us in our spinoff company Photobit if the mid 1990's. Photobit developed the CMOS image sensor technology invented at JPL. Art was a nice and generous person and I always enjoyed our discussions. I was glad to see others expressed the same sentiments here already. Belated condolences and best wishes to the Vaughan family.

December 18, 2015

Dear Anne and family, I met Art at Cornell and have kept in touoch over the years- mostly at Christmas and such. He was a good friend and helped me in my classes a great deal. I am sorry to hear of your loss. He was a fine man and I was proud to have known him. Patricia Wizes Moore

Tolis Deslis

November 28, 2015

Art, was my supervisor for many years at JPL. Art supported and mentored me. It was under his mentorship that I grew technically as a young optical engineer.
As an optical engineer Art was one of the most creative engineers I have ever known. Art could provide technical solutions to most complex optical requirements.
As a person Art was a gentleman with the true meaning of the word. He treated everyone with respect and dignity. Art was polite, soft spoken and eager to support and offer help if you needed it. My career path would not have been the same if our paths had not cross. I have the fondest memories.
Art you will be missed.

Jim Breckinridge

August 10, 2015

Hi,

I have fond memories of working with Art Vaughan on HST optics and many other optics tasks in our group at JPL. He was a real asset to the institution and a good friend. We will all miss him.

James Fanson

May 21, 2015

Art was a colleague, mentor, and friend. He was also a gentleman. There is now one fewer point of light on Earth, but one more in the heavens.

Warren Haussler

May 14, 2015

We are sorry to learn of the passing of Art Vaughan. We held him in high respect and appreciated his work with us on various projects where his contributions to the optical issues moved our work along. Our condolences to his family and friends.

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