McLAUGHLIN, ROBERT HUGH BENSON "BOB” - It is with sad and heavy hearts that the family of R.H.B. "Bob" McLaughlin must advise you of his passing on Sunday, December 28, 2014, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital. Born in Fort Fairfield, Maine on July 19, 1922, Bob was the son of Bennett McLaughlin and Alice Firlottte. Orphaned at the age of four, the family of five was parceled out to immediate family relatives for care and upbringing. He attended Aroostook High School, and following graduation at the age of sixteen, attended the University of New Brunswick where he was the recipient of a Lord Beaverbrook Scholarship. As an Entrance Beaverbrook Scholar, it provided a life line that allowed him the opportunity to receive a college education; something that otherwise would have been an impossible dream. Bob graduated with both a B.Sc and M.Sc in Engineering. Some years later, further graduate studies were carried on at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.), Oklahoma State University and the Illinois Institute of Technology, where he received advanced degrees in engineering from all those universities. In 1987, Bob was awarded the distinction of “Professor Emeritus” for his teaching expertise over his long and distinguished career. At UNB he excelled as a student, receiving the student’s distinction awards for both Athletic and non-Athletic activities that included four years on the Student Council (including Secretary), Business Manager of the student newspaper (the Brunswickan) and President of the student Athletic Association. Athletic participation included rugby, boxing (both intercollegiate and N.B. Amateur championships) and track and field. He was the recipient of numerous awards including the “Sir Frederick William Taylor Gold Medal” as “Male Athlete of the Year” and the “Laskey Gold Medal” for Academic performance. Later, as a UNB professor, he would coach the UNB rugby team for a number of seasons. As a way of recognizing the achievements of the athletes at the varsity level of the University, Bob instituted the C.I.A.U. “All Canadian Club” (later renamed C.I.S.) to recognize those athletes who had received the distinction as being named as “All Canadian”, and plaques were erected at the University of New Brunswick’s Aitken Center, on the “McLaughlin Wall” to recognize their contribution to the University. He was a veteran of the Second World War with the RCE Canadian army and later, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. In 1946 the University of New Brunswick initiated his release from the U.S. army, so he could accept a position as Assistant Professor at UNB, to accommodate the returning veterans seeking a post- secondary education in Engineering. His application for early discharge was approved and later he was escorted to the Pentagon, received an Honourable Discharge and in the fall of 1946 arrived in Fredericton to begin his new career. In 1951 Bob partnered with four of his colleagues to form a consulting engineering firm, called Associated Designers & Inspectors, later to become nationally known as A.D.I. Limited. His role in the firm was limited to building design. Some of the buildings he designed include three buildings at UNB, the Sir James Dunn Arena in St. Andrews, (now known as the W.C. O’Neill Arena Complex), the Montgomery Street School and the old Rookwood Avenue Medical Clinic in Fredericton, and a dozen or more schools and buildings, still in existence today, scattered throughout the Province. Later, relinquishing his design role in A.D.I., he incorporated his design experience and expertise into his teaching role at the University. Early in his career he was heavily involved in promoting the engineering profession at both the provincial and national level. This included membership in both local and national committees, including the “National Standards for Professional Admission”, the development of “CSA Standards”, as well as development of “The National Building Code”. Bob was also very involved in the community, serving as president, and past presidents of many organizations, including the Fredericton Golf & Curling Club, and the Garrison Club, and turned down nominations to run for political parties within the Province. In 1949 he married his sweetheart, Gail V.M. London of Lakeville Corner, and together they have spent 65 years together as a married couple. Bob is survived by his wife, Gail, and together they had two children, Dr. Pamela A. McLaughlin (Paul Smith) of Williamsburg, N.B., and James R. McLaughlin (Lynne) of Saint John, along with two granddaughters, Kamryn Smith of Grand Prairie, Alberta, and Maureen McLaughlin (fiancé Ryan Murnaghan) of Saint John, N.B. For many years they enjoyed their summers at their cottage at Maquapit Lake and following retirement they enjoyed their yearly Florida Holiday in the winter months, along with many cruises including his memorable Panama Canal cruise. Bob was a man of many actions and few words, never looking for praise or reward for the countless acts of kindness he bestowed upon his fellow man, but always ready to lend a hand where needed, and never wanting recognition for his deeds. His acts of kindness will long be remembered by those whom he has touched. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that a donation be made to either the Chalmers Hospital Foundation, the UNB McLaughlin Beaverbrook Scholarship Fund, or a charity of the donors choice.
Family and friends are invited to McAdams Funeral Home on York Street, with visitation on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 pm only. The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #4 will hold a tribute at 2 pm. A funeral will be celebrated at 2:00 pm on January 1, 2015 at St. Dunstan’s Church. Interment will be in the Hermitage Cemetery. www.mcadamsfh.com