LAKE GEORGE – Gary L. McLaughlin, 80, of Helen Street in Lake George, passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord, on Tuesday, September 25, 2018, surrounded by his loving family, after a long illness.
Born on November 28, 1937 in Fort Edward, he was the son of the late Milton T. and Margaret (Bennett) McLaughlin.
Gary was a 1956 graduate of Hudson Falls High School. Soon after graduation, on November 13, 1956, he married the love of his life, Joyce Evans at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson Falls, officiated by Father Dunbar.
Gary was a proud U.S. Navy veteran, having been honorably discharged on February 27, 1963. He also enjoyed going to the Lake George American Legion Post # 374 to spend time with his fellow veterans.
In 1957, he began his career as an New York State Encon officer, retiring in 1988.
He was a jack of all trades who could do anything. Gary was an excellent car restorer, carpenter and craftsman. He restored antique cars, namely VW Beetles, and then sold them. Once Gary and Walter Grishkot made a 1937 Jaguar.
When he found time to take a vacation, Gary went on hunting trips to Canada with his wife, Joyce and friends, Art and Pat. Later in life, he took trips to Florida and to Acapulco, Mexico. Above all he loved entertaining his family and friends, playing guitar, while his wife, Joyce accompanying him on vocals.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Scott and Milton McLaughlin and his sisters, Nancy Clifton and Jackie Carpenter.
Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Joyce McLaughlin of Lake George; his children, Cathy (Michael) Hayes, Gary (Kathy) McLaughlin, Robin (Willie) Ortiz, Barbara (William) Forbes, Scott McLaughlin and his fiancé, Robin Andre and Amy (Benjamin) Dickerson; 23 grandchildren; one great granddaughter; his sisters, Sherryn (Michael) Espeseth, Barbara (Garry) Hamlin and Joy (Chet) Suida; his sister in law, Brigid McLaughlin; his brothers, Daniel (Kathy) Carpenter and Tony King; and several nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank his special caregivers, Warren County Health Services, Alzheimer Respite, Dr. Christopher Hoy, Audrey Charron, Kristine Hart, Joyce Moulton and Lynelle Hauser for the wonderful care and compassion given to Gary.
Friends may call on Saturday from 11 a.m.to 1 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday, following the calling hours at the funeral home.
The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward, with full military honors provided by the Hudson Falls American Legion Post 574.
The family suggests that donations in Gary’s name be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.
I’m so Sorry that I won’t be able to come to the funeral. My life would not be the same if I hadn’t been taught the love of family from Mr and Mrs McLaughlin. My love goes out to Mrs McLaughlin and the rest of the family! I love you all and I thank you for being my extended family during my growing up years!
To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.
My deepest sympathy to Robin, Barbara, Cathy, Buzzy, Scott and Amy. So many memories I hold of hanging out at your house listening to your parents play guitar and sing. Always walking into your dad remodeling the house or making changes. Going to the Grand Union for Joyce and getting 50 cents to buy a candy bar! The love and support from both Joyce and Gary to friends visiting the house. Those memories will be forever in my heart.
Deep heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. McLaughlin, Barbara, Robin, Scott, Cathy, Amy & Buzzy. I have so many wonderful memories of your whole family- at the heart of it all Mr. & Mrs. McLaughlin- always welcoming people into their home. Love poured into our hearts never leaves us; it helps us remember, and helps us be thankful for, the way our lives have been touched. May Love be the thread that holds you all close as you grieve together. Your friends and family lift you up in prayer.
Dearest Joyce and Family: I’ve only been in your and Gary’s company a few times through Elsie and George but so enjoyed spending time with you both. I could see the love you had for each other and the beautiful family you had. The days ahead will not be easy without him but realize what the two of you had together, a lifetime of joy and love. Remember those wonderful times together and what you shared all these years. He is now in peace and will be looking after you always. God Bless. Jane Stec
My deepest heartfelt sympathy to all of the McLaughlin families . I am sorry that I am unable to attend the funeral. My prayers are with you all.