Vaughn R. West (October 16, 1955 – May 17, 2012) was a merchandising specialist from New York City.
Early life and career[]
He was born in Picqua, Ohio in October 16, 1955. He graduated from Xenia High School and went to receive his bachelor's degree from Ohio University, and completed graduate work in the MFA program in theater at Brandeis University.
Mr. West then lived in New York City for 17 years, working as actor, director and costume character performer. During this time, he worked for United Media Enterprises touring nationally and internationally as Garfield the Cat.
In 1989, he and his wife moved to Keene, where he earned his post-baccalaureate teaching certification from Keene State College.
At the time of his death, he was an adjunct professor at Keene State College, where he had taught courses in theater and integrated studies for 20 years. He also worked as an adjunct professor for Mount Wachusett Community College, where he taught drama and speech.
Mr. West was a member of the board of directors of the New Hampshire Dance Institute and performed as the narrator of the NHDI Event of the Year in May 2009.
His love of the theater was shared with the Keene community as a performer and director. His stage roles were many and included work with theaters at Keene State College, Mount Wachusett Community College, the Keene Lions Club, the Edge Ensemble and Raylynmor Opera Company.
Over the years, he directed many productions for Keene State College and Mount Wachusett Community College, including “Damn Yankees,” “The Foreigner,” “Crimes of the Heart” and “Agnes of God.”
He was a huge baseball fan and also enjoyed playing softball. He was a member of a senior group softball league in Brattleboro, and enjoyed playing throughout the summer.
Jeopardy! Run[]
On July 6, 1987, he appeared on a game show Jeopardy!. He faced with Mary Ellis and 2-day champion Eric Berman. He answered fourteen responses (including 1 DD) and four responses wrong (including 1 DD). However, in the final Jeopardy!, he did come up with the right response but Eric Berman beat him by $400.
Personal life and death[]
He married Susan (Kromphold) Ericson-West for 24 years, including many survivors.
He passed away at his home after a short illness.