Laine Alexandra McLaughlin

Laine, 69, passed away on September 10, 2017 in the loving care of Tim Kelly’s Adult Family Home with her brother, Dick, by her side. Laine was born June 30, 1948 in San Francisco, California to Barbra and Dorsey McLaughlin. Laine spent her early years as a cowgirl on the family’s “Hot Springs Ranch” in Cloverdale, California. There she became an accomplished equestrian and enjoyed ranch life with her two younger brothers. She attended elementary school in Cloverdale, transferring to San Domenico Catholic Girls School, where she graduated from high school as a National Merit Scholar. Laine graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Plant Science. She then moved to Seattle, Washington, where she worked in several local Seattle nurseries. Laine moved to Olympia, Washington, and attained her Master’s degree in Environmental Horticulture at The Evergreen State College. This is where she met her lifelong partner, Duane “Ranger” Heier. Together they developed a business plan for a native plant nursery. Laine purchased land on Steamboat Island Road in Olympia, where their dream of running a nursery evolved and Steamboat Island Nursery was born. The nursery was known for its exotica: Eucalyptus, palms, cacti, brugmansias – a collector’s destination! Her love of frogs became a theme of the nursery, which existed nearly 20 years. Laine was a devoted hockey and baseball fan, an avid birder and, in her love of learning, she was a perpetual student of higher education. In her nursery business, she was a devoted teacher and mentor. Duane sadly preceded her in death in April of 2013. Along with many close friends and colleagues, Laine is survived by her brothers, Dorsey H. McLaughlin, and Richard “Dick” McLaughlin and her sister-in-law, Stacy McLaughlin; nephews, Trey McLaughlin and Alex McLaughlin; and grandnephew, Killian McLaughlin. Laine was preceded by both parents. She will be held close in the hearts of those who knew her and will be dearly missed. LIFE WAS MEANT FOR GOOD FRIENDS AND GREAT ADVENTURE. Please leave memories of Laine or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.