Long time friend, retired director of the HOT board, volunteer and dedicated
patron, HOT fondly remembers Marion Vaught who quietly passed away in May.
"She greatly supported HOT for many years with her tireless generosity of
spirit,” remarked Henry Akina, HOT General and Artistic Director.  “She
volunteered well into her 80s.  When she decided to stop driving, she had to
curtail her time at the HOT office a few years ago and she has been sorely
missed," he said.  “Marion was a great lady who staunchly believed in the
mission of Hawaii Opera Theatre.  Her interest in the performing arts stems
from a lifetime of experience in music and theatre in her home life as well
as her professional career.
    A longtime resident of Honolulu, Marion Newbury Vaught was born in
Mobile, Alabama.  She attended Louisiana State University (LSU) on a flute
scholarship and graduated with baccalaureate degrees in music and English.
She continued on to earn a masters degree in library science.  She played in
the LSU orchestra for eight years and joined several international music
clubs which earned her enthusiasm and support throughout her life.  Marion’s
education and her music interest would converge when she moved to Hawaii in
1951.  She started her career as a libarian in the music department of the
Library of Hawaii, known today as the Hawaii State Library.  She retired in
1979 after serving as head of the fine-arts and audio-visual section for 26
years.   Marion nutured her artistic career playing flute for the Honolulu
Symphony, where she met her husband, Raymond Vaught, a violinist and a
University of Hawaii professor of music.
    Marion served on the HOT Board of Directors for many years, finding her
niche as chair of the ‘Office Committee’ responsible for clerical support of
Administration Department activities.  In addition to countless volunteer
hours, she also made significant monetary gifts to HOT and was a charter
member of the HOT Legacy Society.  Friends of the Library and St. Francis
Hospital were also among the organizations she supported. Marion was
recognized by the City and County of Honolulu for her generous volunteerism,
selecting her for its Jefferson Volunteer of the Year award.

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