On June 22, 2015 our beloved father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather, Patrick Joseph McLaughlin was embraced by God at age 86. Born in Maghera, County Derry on August 16, 1928, Patrick excelled in football, Gaelic football and hurling. He had a beautiful deep singing voice, played accordion in the Maghera band and taught his sister Moira the Moonlight Saunter. He was chief projectionist in the cinema. In 1951 he made the courageous decision to embark on a new life in Canada. In Vancouver he became an actor with the Emerald Players. He became a certified heavy duty and automotive mechanic while working in Kitimat, Kemano and Vancouver. He studied Auto Mechanics at B.C.I.T and Economics with the University of Toronto. Following ten years with Metropolitan/Seaboard Life Insurance as sales representative and branch manager he became a Mechanical Inspector I, Weighmaster I in Sparwood, BC and completed a distinguished career with the Ministry of Solicitor General as a Technical Enforcement Officer V. He enjoyed 25 years of retirement in idyllic Nakusp, BC. Patrick was the most profound thinker, eloquent speaker and well-read man one could ever know. His wisdom and power of mind were matched by his stellar character. He loved fishing on Arrow Lake, cooking and telling stories. Fiercely independent, his life is an inspiration to us all. No matter how formidable the obstacle he was determined to face it alone saying to himself, “you’re tough, but I’m tougher.” He was proud of his Irish heritage and poured tears of laughter telling of his youth “back home.” He is predeceased by his brother George and survived by his sister Moira and brothers Leonard and Robert. He is also survived by his children Moira, Kathleen, Sheila (Dave), Patrick (Maricel), Charlotte and Sean (Teresa), 14 grandchildren and one great-grandson. Services by Father Aaron de Dios were held at Chapel of Valley Funeral Home in Nakusp at 2:00 pm on June 26, 2015. Patrick Joseph McLaughlin rests peacefully at Old Hillcrest Cemetery in Nakusp, BC.
Megan Johnson of Valley Funeral Home was entrusted with the funeral arrangements. You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family’s online register at www.valleyfh.ca.