REGINA – Saturday marked the state funeral for former Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield.
Schofield, who served as the 21st Lieutenant Governor from 2012 to 2018, died on April 8 at age 82, with flags having been lowered to half mast until the day of the funeral. On Saturday, family and dignitaries were on hand to pay their respects at Living Hope Alliance Church in Regina.
The current Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre was among those who paid tribute in remarks at the funeral.
"Vaughn had a very full life that was indeed well lived," McIntyre said. "Vaughn was known for her remarkable support of the military and veterans, hosting a successful support or troops gala, distributing some 8,000 military service pins and championing the PTSD service dogs. She attended hundreds of events around the province, supporting the military, multiculturalism and reconciliation.
"Before her appointment, the list of her volunteer roles was extensive and it is no wonder that she received the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal. Her most recent accolade was an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Regina.
She was on top of the world that day. Vaughn was a friend and I remember her cheery smile and friendly greeting whenever we ran into each other. Those close to her know that she had a great sense of humour and I'm told by her staff and aides that they had many, many fun times together."
McIntyre quoted a line from the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson that Solomon Schofield had used often:
"To laugh often and love much. To win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children. To earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends. To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition. To have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation. To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. Fair winds and following seas, my friend."
Premier Scott Moe also paid tribute to the former Lieutenant Governor in his remarks.
"I recently delivered remarks in the Legislature to mark Vaughn's passing, and I ended those remarks with a quote from her, and maybe that's where I would begin today, and I quote Vaughn: 'It's one simple word, giving. I was raised to appreciate what I had and to give back at every opportunity. Community service is my mantra. Always has been, and always will be.'"
"Vaughn's life, every board that she was on, every community event that she was involved in, and every time that she set foot on an armed forces base, every time she stepped up to volunteer for what we all know is such worthy causes, it was always about giving back for her. For her decades of tireless work, she received many accolades and awards. She had the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal, the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service, among a few of the medals that she had. But I think anyone that understood Vaughn or knew her, she knew and very much understood that her work, particularly her commitment and dedication to our armed forces member, which is an inspiration for us all, was never about receiving awards. It was always about the work itself and who it impacted. Work that bettered the lives of those around her. And hers is truly one life that is worth celebrating here today….
"It was very meaningful to me that she personally was there to sign in the very first cabinet that I had the honour to appoint, including myself. She will forever be a part of my memories in political office. Vaughan was an exceptional representative of the province.
"…Hers was a life well lived, a life of leadership, a life that left a legacy, and a life that certainly was lived with impact. But I'm sure all would be the first to agree with me that her greatest legacy is you, her children, her family, her grandchildren.
May her memory be a blessing to you all."
