We regret to announce the passing of Michael (Mick) McLaughlin on April 2nd, 2008 at Vernon Hospice House after a courageous battle with cancer. Mick was born in Muldonagh, Claudy, Northern Ireland on December 18th, 1933 and immigrated to Canada in 1956. He started working construction in Alberta, then moved to Vancouver in 1958. Mick worked on several major dam projects in Hudson Hope, Mica Creek, Revelstoke, Trail and Old Man River. While working construction, he also owned a restaurant in Fort St. John and a car wash and pressure wash business in Vernon. After retiring from construction in 2000, he spent his time traveling to Portugal, Ireland, Hawaii and the Alaska Highway; all the way to the Arctic Circle. These last few years were spent in his RV traveling and spending winters in Yuma, Arizona. Mick enjoyed meeting new people, socializing and being the life of a party. Mick will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Lorraine and by his sons, John (Janet), Michael (Margaret), Kevin and Ryan (Erin) and by step-daughter, Rhonda (Gordon) and by grandchildren, Daniel, Colton, Jessica, Ashley, Sara, Courtenay, Grayson and Ty. He will also be in the prayers of his sisters, Mary, Ann, and Elizabeth and brother Paddy all of Northern Ireland. Mick was predeceased by parents, John and Mary Ann, sister, Rose Collette and brother, John. Prayers were recited at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 at St. James Catholic Church. The Funeral Mass was held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9th, 2008 at St. James Catholic Church with Father Leo Boyd officiating. Interment took place at Pleasant Valley Cemetery. A reception was held at St. James Parish Center. In lieu of flowers, those friends wishing to make memorial contributions in memory of Michael may do so to the Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements have been entrusted to:
Pleasant Valley Funeral Home
4303 Pleasant Valley Road
Vernon, B.C. V1T 4M4
250-542-4333