J. Douglas “Doug” Vaughan, age 74, of St Andrews, NB, passed away unexpectedly on Friday June 19, 2026.

Doug grew up and built his life in Fredericton, NB, where he had a successful career as a businessman and owner of Auto Machinery & Eastern Automotive Warehousing Ltd.

Part of Vast-Auto Distribution since 2014–and now doing business as Parts City Auto Parts Fredericton, its roots are as family business dating back to the early 1900s.

Auto Machinery was founded in 1946 literally out of the ashes of a series of businesses started in 1904 after a fire destroyed Vaughan Shipbuilding Co. in July of 1944.

Eastern Automotive was launched in 1965 to handle wholesale account business

Douglas joined the firm in 1973 after graduating from Rothesay Collegiate and was critical in the growth of the company over several decades before his retirement.

Through his work, he formed many strong relationships that reached far and wide.

Fredericton was also where he and his wife, Rhonda, raised a family.

In his retirement, they settled down in St Andrews, NB where Doug spent his days golfing or he could be found at Harvey Lake, NB.

Doug was a devoted husband to Rhonda (Lynch) Vaughan, father to Maggie (Michael Doherty), Stephen (Heather) and David (Christine), cherished grandfather to Reggie and Joanie and a brother to his sister, Susan (Jerome Connors).

Doug is predeceased by his parents; Ronald and Dorothy Vaughan.

There will be no visitation.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Donations in Doug’s honour, can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the Charlotte County SPCA Animal Shelter. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.mehanfuneralhome.ca

Arrangements are under the care of S.O. Mehan & Son Funeral Home 23 Main Street St. Stephen, NB.