BRIAN McLAUGHLIN

February 17, 2023

Brian McLaughlin (“Bear”) died Feb. 17, 2023, at home in Kincardine (formerly of Burlington), with his family by his side. He was 71. Survived by his wife of 46 years, Joan (née Fair); daughters, Erin McLaughlin and Lindsey McLaughlin (Melissa); son, Brett McLaughlin; sister, Coleen McLaughlin; brother, Reginald McLaughlin (Carolyn); nephews, Paul Saranovic, Curtis and Brodie McLaughlin; and niece, Amara McLaughlin. Brian was born at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto and grew up in Oakville. He was predeceased by his parents, Edna (née Pezzetta) and Reginald McLaughlin. During his time at White Oaks High School, he was a member of the Wildcats basketball and soccer teams, and played football for the Oakville Colts as a defensive end. He was a member of the 1st Sheridan Troop Boy Scouts of Canada and was awarded the highest honour for Scouts, the ‘Queen’s Scout,’ March 1, 1967. Brian attended University of Guelph from 1971-74, where he was a residence supervisor for Mills Hall and coached the Maids Hall Football Team. He was voted King of the University Campus in the 1973 winter carnival. He graduated from the McMaster University School of Adult Education four-year program and the Canadian Institute of Management with a Certificate in Management and Administration. He worked as a manager at Pack-All in Mississauga for more than 40 years. He designed and managed a rebuild of the plant after a fire destroyed most of the building. One of his staff wrote him on his retirement and referred to him as “the best boss ever.” Brian was a dedicated and loving husband and father. He was the biggest fan of all his children and their music and sports, travelling across the country to support his children’s baseball and hockey endeavours. He was an avid and skilled outdoorsman, and fishing was a passion for him with many hours spent near Sioux Lookout. He was active in athletics, playing slo-pitch, bocce ball and golfing in his adult life. Brian had a large heart and helped many friends and families with projects. He was an avid gardener and helped Joan and the Ripley and District Horticultural Society maintain the Ripley Public Library flower beds. He was a member of the Huron Fringe Field Naturalists and enjoyed hiking all over the world with his wife, Joan. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. A private gathering and memorial service will be held at the Davey-Linklater Funeral Home, Kincardine. Final resting place, Kincardine Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society (cancer.ca/en) or St. Michael’s Hospital (stmichaelsfoundation.com) designated to research in his honour, would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.