Obituary of William Robert McLaughlin

William Robert McLaughlin died peacefully on January 28, 2010, age 77, at Rocmaura Nursing Home surrounded by his loving wife and family. Bill always maintained a quiet, gentlemanly manner during his ten year illness with Alzheimers. Born in Saint John, NB, he was the son of the late James and Elizabeth McLaughlin. Bill was a true family man enjoying many years of bowling, walking, biking and traveling with his wife and family. In his early family life, summers were spent camping at Cambridge Narrows. Bill loved salmon fishing trips on the Miramichi and passed on the tradition of duck hunting to his family. Bill was a great supporter of his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events by attending many a game. Bill was a dedicated and proud employee of NBTel for 40 years retiring in 1991. He was a member of the Telecom Pioneers of America; Section 60, Canadian Electrical Code Canadian Standards Association (Communication); representative for the Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI); and Registered Communication Distribution Designer. He was an active community volunteer as a Councillor on the Quispamsis Town Council for two terms; served on the Board of Directors for the Memorial Arena and the Rothesay Regional Police Commission; a member of the Board of Directors of the Regional Fire Commission; served on the Planning Advisory Committee for the Town of Quispamsis; the Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board and several other community committees and groups. Bill was also actively involved as a Eucharistic Minister and Co-Ordinator at St. Mark’s Catholic Church. Survived by his wife, Betty (Buckley) of 56 years; five children Bob (Lynn), Quispamsis, NB, Pat (Debbie), Riverview, NB, Joanne Du Bois (Leon), Crossfield, Alberta, Gary (Lisa), Quispamsis, NB, and Mike (Wendy) Oakville, Ontario, eighteen grandchildren; Melanie (Aaron), Brad (Kathryn), Marlise (Sean), Kurt, Mikel, Steve, Kelly, Ashton, Andrew, Allyson, Victoria, MacKenzie, Molly, Annie, James, Matthew, Gavin, and Mikayla; one great-grandson, Caleb; one sister, Barb Stewart (Don) of Kingston, NB and many nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his son, Danny in 1977 and his daughter, Mary Beth in 2006. Resting at Kennebecasis Select Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis, NB, (506) 849-2119, with visitation on Friday, January 29, 2010 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 171 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis, on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 10:00 am. A private family interment will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer Society of NB, Rocmaura Nursing Home Foundation or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online memorials and condolences may be made at: www.kennebecasisfh.com