Donald R. (Rick) McLaughlin, 72, passed away on Sept. 9, 2021 from heart disease. He was at home with his family by his side at the time of his passing.
Rick was born July 2, 1949, in White Salmon, Washington, to Marcus K. McLaughlin and Kathryn Edmondson McLaughlin. He lived in several small Oregon towns where his father was a logger. He spent his high school years in Anderson, California, and in his 20s relocated to the Centralia-Chehalis area. He played many years of softball, which is how he met his wife of 47 years, Cecelia Johnstone. They were married in 1973, followed two years later by the birth of their daughter, Melissa. Two years after that another daughter, Christy, was born. In 1978 they moved to Rochester, Washington where he lived until his passing.
Rick worked at several mills and warehouses in the area, including Kinnear Door, Shakertown and Fred Meyer Distribution.
Family, friends, horses and baseball were Rick's loves. He also enjoyed hunting, old cars and team roping in his younger years.
Rick is survived by his wife Cecelia; his daughters Melissa (Missy) and spouse, Elizabeth, and Christy Munsell (Jeremy). He had four grandchildren who were the love of his life; Casey and Jake Munsell and Sidney and Nolan Hudson. He also left behind many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Kitty Brown and brother Monty McLaughlin.
At Rick's request, his remains will be cremated and his ashes spread at Mount St. Helens where he hunted. No services are planned at this time.
