Edward C. McLaughlin

EDWARD CHARLES MCLAUGHLILN Edward Charles (Chuck) McLaughlin was born June 19, 1923 to Archibald and Evelyn McLaughlin in Long Beach, California. Chuck was raised in the La Puente, California and graduated from La Puente High School. After high school, he joined the United States Navy, trained as a dental technician, and served in Corpus Christi, Texas during World War II. After completing his naval service, Chuck followed his love for agriculture by enrolling as a dairy husbandry major at California Polytechnic College in San Luis Obispo, California. He worked, studied, and began building his future dairy herd of registered Holstein cattle. In that time he married Anita Louise (Salmina) McLaughlin. By the time he graduated in 1949, he had already began building the loves of his life: a good Catholic family and a herd of registered dairy cattle. In 1952, Chuck and Anita with their young family moved to Durham, California, purchasing property that needed upgrading to Grade A status. They developed the property and their Holstein herd into a prosperous dairy that operated until 1978. The dairy operation was long hours of work, but a great learning opportunity for the seven children: Edward Charles (Debbie), Karen Louise Lasalle, Michael Randall, Janice Areias (James), Glenn Thomas(deceased), Cecilia (Dave) Silva, and Albert James McLaughlin. When the dairy cattle sold, Dad was only 55 years old, so he went to work for his great friend Emmett Skinner on his rice and walnut ranch. Chuck really enjoyed working there with Emmett and his sons as they continued building their rice & orchard ranch. In 1984, Chuck and his friend, Dan Halvorsen began cutting old local orchards for firewood. He was again very ambitious and built up a large inventory of seasoned wood. Initially it was all delivered to homes locally, but it lead to the beginning of a packaged firewood business. At age 70, dad wanted to slow down and asked his son, Randy, to take the reins. Chuck continued cutting and delivering firewood until he was 87 years old. This wood processing business, Old Durham Wood, is still in operation providing services to many ranches in Northern California. Chuck passed away of natural causes on April 10, 2016 in Paradise, California at the age of 92. Chuck leaves a legacy of a fine Catholic family that he developed with great assistance of his wife, Anita. At his passing to eternal life, Chuck is blessed with his seven children, 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Chuck will be remembered by his family and friends for his big loving, compassionate heart. His humility, integrity, and humor were appreciated by all. He was an encourager and advocate to his beloved family and friends. Some of his last words were "God Bless You All". Chuck McLaughlin's rosary will be held at Brusie Funeral Home at 6:00 p.m. on April 21. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Chico on April 22 at 10:30 a.m. followed by internment at Glen Oaks Memorial Park, Chico, CA.