Richard C. McLaughlin

Richard passed away due to complications of Alzheimer’s on February 28, 2014, in Olympia, Washington, at the age of 80. He was born June 5, 1933 to Oliver C. and Bianca B. (Stark) McLaughlin in Olympia. A 1951 graduate of Yelm High School, he married Gertrude June Parkins on September 8, 1951 in Yelm, Washington. Professionally, Richard worked in a lumber mill owned by his father, then for the St. Regis Plywood Company, followed by more than 35 years as a machinist at Boeing. Over the years, Richard lived in the Yelm and Olympia areas for more than 44 years. He also lived in Lake Tapps and then Lake Stevens. After retiring from Boeing, he moved to Post Falls, Idaho for eight years before returning to Washington where he lived in Amboy and Vancouver before returning to Olympia in 2012. Richard showed love to his family by being a hard worker and good provider. A skilled craftsman, he built several of the family’s homes. As a hobby, he built and operated radio-controlled airplane and boat models. Before his dementia, he built completely by hand two scale model aircraft engines that actually worked. Richard is survived by his wife, Gertrude McLaughlin; sons, Gerald L. “Gerry” McLaughlin, Michael C. McLaughlin, and Donald L. “Don” McLaughlin; daughter, Linda D. Caines; nine grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; and sisters, Marilyn J. Seibold and Charlene M. Joyce. He was predeceased by his grandparents, James Oliver and Laurena (Collins) McLaughlin; parents, Oliver C. and Bianca B. (Stark) McLaughlin; and brother, Maurice “Bud” McLaughlin. Please leave memories of Richard or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.