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Thomas R. Vaughan M.D.

Thomas Vaughan Obituary

Thomas R. Vaughan, MD June 18, 1937 - Nov. 30, 2009 Died Monday at his home after living with pancreatic cancer for more than a year. He was 72. A prominent member of the San Francisco medical community, Tom served a term as Chief of Staff at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, where he had a private practice, and also sat on the hospital's board. In recent years, he practiced at Kaiser in San Rafael as a pulmonologist and critical-care specialist. He retired from practice this year. Earlier in his career, Tom was a fellow at UCSF's Cardiovascular Research Institute and a staff physician at San Francisco Veterans' Hospital. Tom enjoyed teaching and generously shared his professional knowledge with colleagues. Tom was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and grew up in Bronxville, New York. After graduating from Phillips Exeter Academy he went on to Yale, where he made the decision to study medicine. At Yale he went out for crew and developed a lifelong love of rowing. He later graduated from Cornell Medical School. In addition to being a respected and well-loved member of the medical community, Tom was known for his many passions. He had a great love of the outdoors and appreciated the natural beauty of places near and far. Over the decades, Tom ran countless miles on the trails of Mt. Tamalpais and in the Tiburon hills. Whenever possible, he brought along one of his beloved, naughty dogs for the canine companionship he so enjoyed. A dedicated oarsman, Tom spent many quiet mornings training in his single shell. Tom traveled extensively, which almost always centered on an athletic endeavor, whether climbing the world's mountains, bicycling country roads, or kayaking beautiful waters. Ten years ago, Tom put his love of music into practice and began playing the flute, a hobby that brought him immeasurable joy. Tom was a thinker, and his ongoing intellectual curiosity kept him vitally engaged in life. Among his many beautiful qualities, he was appreciated for his quiet wisdom, dry wit, unassuming kindness and his overall humility. Tom is survived by his wife, Anne Sasaki; his sister, Cynthia Urfer; his three children, Geoffrey; Elizabeth; and Peter Vaughan; his former wife and mother of his children, Judy Vaughan; and his six grandsons, Wyatt and Rowen Vaughan, Hugo and Axel Leinbach, and Sebastian and Joaquin Vaughan. Tom will be profoundly missed. A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 14 at 2:00 p.m. at the Community Congregational Church in Tiburon. Family members suggest that any memorial contributions be made to a charity that reflects a part of Tom.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Dec. 6, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Vaughan

36 Entries

Bobbi Schaus

November 28, 2022

Still remembering you, Tom. I'm glad we had that quick chat while you were in the car with Cynthia! Bobbi

Gerald Schall, M.D.

November 28, 2020

One of the advantages of practicing medicine at St. Francis Memorial Hospital were the outstanding colleagues you worked with. Tom was an excellent physician who always had the welfare of his patients as his primary goal. He was a true gentleman. I often think of him and all the other doctors I was fortunate enough know during my time there.

Cathy Kane

December 31, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of Tom's death. My former husband, Neusom Holmes, and I met Tom when he and 13-year-old Geoff came up to the American River to take a white water kayaking class with Neusom. A friendship ensued, and we spent many a happy evening at the Vaughn's with Tom, Judy and the "kids". Tom introduced us to the fun of rowing on the Bay. He was a person of such vigor and joy, I am so grateful to have known him. Love to his family and thank you Tom!

Don Wilson

December 17, 2009

I was at St Francis with Tom for many years and was impressed by his medical knowledge but also his dry wit,memorable smile, and the accomplishments he made outside of medicine.
It was a delight to meet him in the parking lot in the morning--either in his Morgan, Volvo or the Beetle and begin the day by walking into the hospital with him.
Although we came from so divergent backgrounds- a Texan and basically an East Coaster, it was enjoyable.
I am sorry I never met his children, but I heard a lot about them and give them my condolences.
And to Anne, whom I have known nearly as long as Tom, I send my sentiments. I know she made Tom happy.

Janis Mathews

December 15, 2009

I had the pleasure of meeting Tom in 2004 on an Expedition in Peru. Our small group spent nearly a month trekking and tent camping at high altitudes, exploring three mountain ranges, Cordillera Raura, Cordillera Huayhuash, and Cordillera Blanca. It takes a special kind of person to maintain a sense of humor in high-altitude, sleep-deprived, hygiene-challenged, physically demanding conditions. Tom was that special kind of person. Whether you met him along the trail, or in the dining tent for breakfast before setting off for the next set of mountain passes, or for tea when we arrived at the next tent site, or dinner at the end of each day, you could count on seeing a smile on Tom's face, and sharing a few stories and jokes with him to pass the time. Tom truly loved the outdoors, and thrived in the wild surroundings. It was such a pleasure sharing the Peru experience with him. I always imagined I would someday find myself exploring another remote and pristine corner of the world with Tom. I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. My thoughts are with all of you, Tom's family and friends. Please take comfort in knowing how deeply Tom touched the people he met along his way.

Julie Parson

December 14, 2009

Anne and family, My thougths are with you. These entries are really amazing - what an incredible man.

Clare O'Hare

December 12, 2009

I was fresh out of nursing school and standing in front of all my colleagues during multidisciplinary rounds, giving report on one of my patients. At the end of my narrative and still trembling from the experience, Dr. Vaughan turned to everyone and said; "Now that is how you give a report!" I will never forget his act of kindness and encouragement to a new and terrified ICU nurse. But that is just the kind of person he was: inspiring, mentoring, and a joy to work with. You will be deeply missed.

Sherry Mendenhall, RN

December 12, 2009

Tom and I worked together for 5 years, in the Pulmonology clinic, at Kaiser San Rafael.
Tom, I will miss our many conversations about our individual runs that day, your continued support toward my nursing degree, your love and adoration for your family, photos of your various travels, comisserating about fine wine, but most of all, I will miss you! As a teacher you were unequivocal and as a person unforgetable.

Much Love,
Sherry

Bill Pryor

December 11, 2009

The stories about Tom Vaughan will go on forever.
As he remains in our thoughts.
Bigger than life.

Pete Magee

December 11, 2009

Dear Anne, Judy, Geoff, Elizabeth, and Peter,
I share your grief at Tom’s passing, but I celebrate what a wonderful life he had and what a wonderful friend he was. When I met him at Yale, he seemed to be just a nice guy, but when we became roommates, I realized that he was truly special. He was really smart, but he was very modest. He had great judgment, but he wasn’t judgmental. He was funny, and although he saw what was ridiculous in others, he liked to laugh at himself most. He taught me more about how to accept and get along with people than anyone else I ever knew. As a result my life was hugely enriched by our friendship. I treasured his ability to focus on the important things in life and to put aside the trivia.
He introduced me to a lot of important things, jazz, mountain climbing, and a love of France among them.
Our trip to Europe after we graduated was one of the most enjoyable times of my life, despite totaling our car in Spain, my running out of money in Denmark, and his finding a girl-friend in Copenhagen when I couldn’t. (I'd like to think that the money problem had something to do with it, but I know better.)
Knowing Tom for 55 years has been one of my great satisfactions, and I’m really thankful that I could spend some time with him and Anne in the last few months. His fortitude in making his last year such a full one was monumental and an example to us all. He’s truly a man who left his mark on people, and all of us are much better because we knew him.

December 10, 2009

Dear Geoff, Elizabeth & Peter,
It seems like yesterday when I saw your Dad at Marin General when I went to visit your Mom and he gave me a big hug. I am glad he was able to have some good months and I know he must have been so happy to have been here to welcome his two new grandsons..the Vaughans live on!

It is so hard to loose one’s father..but you have so many wonderful memories of time spent with him, such exciting trips and adventures which you will all be able to share with your boys.

I send you all my love and I will take your Dad’s advice and go out and enjoy the beautiful days ahead and think of him.

Love,
Connie McHugh & Bobby McHugh

Laurel Bowden

December 9, 2009

I have been honored and privileged to have gotten to know and work with Tom Vaughan over many years. You could never ask for a more knowledgeable, caring, and perceptive doctor to have working with you in the ICU. I always looked forward to going to work on the days I knew he would be there. We always knew that he was there for us as well as for the patients. We had many opportunities to talk about medical issues as well as our other interests, such as traveling, swimming, and rowing. Tom was always encouraging me about my swimming and telling me how good it was that I did what I did even though it was minimal next to what he was doing. The stories he told and the things he did were amazing to me- right down to watching him run across the Dipsea finish line last year and hearing about that last bike trip with Anne. I will miss him a lot and he will always be in my memories.

RN – Kaiser ICU

Neusom Holmes

December 9, 2009

I am sorry to hear about Tom. What a good guy! It's been about thirty years since I met him and the Vaughn clan. Tom and Geoff had come for kayak lessons on the American River. That meeting led to visits to their home, stories of other travels, and laughter around the dinner table. I haven;t seen Tom since the funeral of a mutual friend 9 years ago. Still, Tom's smile and laugh are clear memories - both were bright with intelligence and eagerness. He was a blessing to many. He will be remembered and missed, not just for the loss, but for the gift of friendship.

Bruce Klepinger

December 8, 2009

I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to Anne, Geoff, Elizabeth, Peter, Judy and all the Vaughan family. Tom was an accomplished person with an inspiring attitude about life that he held even to the very end of his own. Tom loved his family and friends. He cherished the time he spent on the rivers or in the mountains. He could be happy alone on the trail or on the water or he could bring comfort to others. My memories of Tom are special and span several continents and nearly 30-years from our first climb together on Aconcagua to that last pensive walk in the hills of San Francisco only a few weeks ago. Tom was more complex than just athletics. Tom had a quiet and abiding joy that was contagious. He was thoughtful and professional. I never had the privilege of seeing Tom in action in his medical practice, but I’ll bet his attitude was similar to his actions in wild. He had a great presence that was low key, dignified but with a wry sense of humor and an immense generosity of heart. He was well-spoken, but he spoke no ill of others. He was generous with his time and his observations of the human condition sparkled. I’ll miss him – as I suspect we all will – but, his imprint upon us will survive. With Tom in mind, may this move us all forward.

December 8, 2009

Our deepest sympathy to Anne, Geoffrey, Elizabeth and Peter. He was a wonderful guy, loved you and all the grand kids and will be deeply missed. He had a wonderful attitude to the end. Can't believe all he had accomplished during the past year, reinforces his previous accomplishments. Although he leaves us physically, I hope his memories will sustain you through this sad time.

Love, Tom and Mark

Kate Kelso Novak

December 7, 2009

Dear Vaughan Family,
I am very sorry to hear of the "Doctor's" passing. For many years during my pre-teen and teen years he would be in my kitchen having coffee after a run with Bill and "The Runners". I remember his dog Ripley would be at his side drooling...I also remember seeing him barreling down the hill in that old grey Volvo.
My mom would often call if I was sick - the only house calls we ever got were from him. He was very kind and had a great laugh.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. You were so lucky to have had such a great dad. I am sure he is at peace above watching over all of you and his grands! Much love, Kate Kelso Novak

Bruce, Karen, Julia and Sage Mace

December 7, 2009

It has been a pleasure knowing Tom Vaughan, and with each passing year learning more about the complex accomplishments as well as the simple insights he aquired and shared so readily. We will miss him, his smile and his wit... but, we will continue to seek them out on the local trails. See you there, Tom.
The Mace family.

Patrick Sasaki

December 6, 2009

Thomas is probably pedaling up a hill somewhere up there...

He will be dearly missed by all-

Jon Shanser MD

December 6, 2009

My deepest sympathies to Anne, Judy and all of Tom's children and grandchildren and family. Tom a was a friend, mentor and all around great guy & doctor's doctor, whose life was cut too short by a terrible illness. I worked with him at Saint Francis for many years and always enjoyed consulting with him on the many xrays we looked at together. But what I remember him most for was a night several years ago when my wife experienced severe shortness of breath after midnight, and before going to the ER, calling Tom for advice at 2am; he said "stay there, I'll be right over", and he came from Belvedere to Mill Valley at 2:30am to see my wife and take care of her...that's the kind of doctor and person he was; one of a kind!
He will be sorely missed.

Ernie Razon

December 6, 2009

Our love and prayer to the Vaughan family.And to our brother Tom you went home to a better place,santuary of forever life where love and peace have no boundaries.It's a painless place.
Good night and sleep well, sleep well.
Your brother and sister in Christ,Ernie&Trudy Razon

Townsend Swayze

December 6, 2009

In June 1956 on the Thames, we drew our respective boats together and Harvard being the loser, I handed Tom my racing shirt, 4 seat to 4 seat. About 50 years later, a fellow doctor who had been on the West coast came up to me at the Dartmouth boat house and handed me that shirt. Tom had made the connection and in honor of our respective continued years of rowing made the extraordinary gesture of returning that shirt. He lived a special life marked by acting on his many passions and giving so much to the community. Truly a remarkable person and I am deeply saddened that he is no longer with us. I will forever remember his unique gesture, connecting with me so many years later.

christian gronbeck

December 6, 2009

Dear Tom;We miss you as collegues and friends.To Anne;We are here for you as friends, and supporters.Anne we will keep in touch and you in our hearts.Chris and Jolize

John Slye, RN MSN

December 6, 2009

I had the pleasure of working with Tom for many years at the former Mt. Zion Medical Center, Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, and Kaiser San Rafael. He was truly an amazing human being, a true healer, and just a "nice guy." My heartfelt condolences to his family.

Sean Gentry

December 5, 2009

To me (and to a large circle of his son's college friends), Tom was the father we all wanted. Now, decades later, he's the father we all want to be.

He's also the only American I know who could actually challenge an Aussie in the sarcasm stakes!

Impressive man. Impressive legacy.

Hang in there friends and family!

Bobbi Schaus

December 5, 2009

Hello dear ones, that I don't even know. Please accept my deepest sympathies and know that I will have you in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Tom was a very dear friend back in the 50's and I wish we had kept in touch over the years, but because we were so far away, I guess that's why we didn't. Anyway,I am sad. He was great fun. We skied and danced and rapelled and laughed and I just wish I could make it to the service to try and fill in some of the years that I missed. He was a great,kind, fellow and it seems much too soon that he has been taken away. With love, Bobbi Schaus

December 5, 2009

My husband, Townsend Swayze, and I send our condolences to the family of Thomas Vaughan. Townsend will be writing as well, as he is a rower and it was through this that he and Tom made a connection. I however would like to reach out to family members who share names with my family. My father was Thomas Hugh Vaughan. His brother was Peter Llewlyn Vaughan. My brother is Peter Vaughan. His son is Thomas Hugh Vaughan. We all came from Oxford, England, including myself.
With kind regards and deepest sympathy,
Felicity Vaughan Swayze
[email protected]

Felicity Swayze

December 5, 2009

December 4, 2009

One of Tom's major contributions to the world was his work in establishing the Central Asia Institute and serving as its board chair for many years - back when budgets were low, stress was high, and all that kept us together was the dream of providing an education for boys and girls in northern Pakistan and in Afghanistan. Through those difficult days, Tom, was gracious, thoughtful, and compassionate. He kept our board and the organization together and functioning through some dark times. Because of Tom's commitment, there are now over 100 schools serving many 1000s of children in places where school never existed before. I will miss Tom most of all for his personal qualities, but will also never forget his contribution to making this world a much, much better place. All of us have lost a wonderful presence with his passing.

W. Andrew Marcus, Eugene, OR
Founding Board Member and Past Chair of the Board,
Central Asia Institute

December 4, 2009

To all of Tom's loved ones I again send my condolences on hie passing. He was a freind as well as a client, and I will miss seing him each Spring. He was one of a kind, and we will all miss him.

My best to you all.

Dick Haney

Dave Shore

December 4, 2009

The river community friends note the passing of a great soul.

December 4, 2009

Sending your family my deepest condolences.
I have lovely memories of fine wine, playing duets and the sight of the little orange bug. We became acquainted through our Community Education class and he touched all of our spirits with his gifts.
Again, I send my deepest condolences to all of us who loved, admired and respected this man.
Mary King
Minneapolis

BILL KATZ

December 4, 2009

Am very sorry to read of Tom's passing he was a great guy a real good runner and all around very fine person. BILL KATZ

Warren Payne

December 4, 2009

I knew Tom briefly thru the North Bay Rowing Club where Tom often came to row and enjoy the peaceful, winding waters, and abundant wildlife of the upper Petaluma River. I enjoyed sharing rowing experiences with Tom. It didn't take long to realize he was a real gentleman, gifted with great knowledge and warm personality. I recently lost my father to prostate cancer, and I know how difficult it is to recover from such a tragic loss in the family. Be thankful that you had such a wonderful man leading your family to the successes and good times you shared during his life. Carry on with his guidance in your footsteps, and his spirit in your hearts. I'm sure this is what he would expect. Time will heal the hurt slowly, and it will get better, even though you'll never forget him. I wish your family well. ~Warren Payne

sandy & Bill Schreiber

December 4, 2009

With love to all your family, and the best memories of Tom from years and years gone by....Sandy & Bill Schreiber

George Frazier

December 4, 2009

I first met Tom at the Saturday morning runs at Mountain Home Inn back in the 1970s. He stood out from the other runners because of his bright smile, big laugh, and wicked sense of humor. As I got to know him better, it was clear that Tom was a humble man of considerable accomplishment, wisdom, and human decency.

Tom was a fine man who left us much too soon.

Elizabeth Vaughan

December 4, 2009

I love you forever, Dad!

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