Wayne Bruce “Pete” McLaughlin was born as the fourth child and only son to Bruce Lambert and Nora Josephine Stephenson McLaughlin on February 1, 1928 in Coldwater, Kansas. He enlisted in the Navy after turning 18. He honorably served his country for two years as an Aviation Machinist Mate. He returned to Kansas and met the love of his life, Emma Ellis. They were married in 1949. They welcomed 3 children to their family in the next 5 years. Through the course of their marriage the McLaughlin family lived in Kansas, Idaho, Wyoming,l, New Mexico, and Arizona. Pete and Em settled in Castle Dale after Pete retired from Enron Gas. They have lived in Castle Dale for over 30 years and made many good friends there and in Quartzsite, AZ, where they spent the winters.
Pete never stopped learning and was a wonderful man. He was a pilot and owned his own Tri-Pacer. When he could no longer fly, he began building and flying model and radio control airplanes. He was also an expert marksman and a gunsmith. He really enjoyed going to gun shows and competing in trapshooting. He taught the kids and then the grandkids how to shoot safely. He also was an avid gardener and outdoorsman. Pete loved cars and enjoyed watching a good Nascar race. Pete was always seeking knowledge. He even tried to learn to play the bagpipes. He enjoyed reading and loved sharing his favorite books.
Pete always had time to teach the kids and grandkids about what he was doing. He was patient and kind. More than anything, Pete was a good and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Pete returned to Heaven on July 8, 2019. He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, his children Kathy (Harley) Gist, Bruce “Pug” McLaughlin, and Sherry (Jeff) Pugliano, five grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. His sisters Wilma Anton and Maxine Bramblett. Pete is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Thorine Ruth Danford and Darlene Dene Thompson.
Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun:
I will be there still, my dear,
While the sands o’ life shall run.
-Robert Burns 1794