Patrick Douglas McLaughlin, born September 24, 1952, in Burtts Corner, New Brunswick, beloved husband, father, son and brother, died November 17th, 2010, in Edmonton, Alberta. Pat is survived by his wife Cecilia of Fort McMurray, Alberta, his children Conal D'Arcy (Edmonton), Ian Douglas (Airdrie), Meghan Cara (Fredericton, New Brunswick), their mother Nancy McLaughlin, his mother, Gertrude, his siblings Gloria (Jean ), Michael (Gail) and Tim (Natasha). He was pre-deceased by his father Douglas. Patrick was a resident of Fort McMurray, Alberta at the time of his death, employed with Suncor as a blasting specialist, a career that took him all over North and South America and several trips to Ireland. From Saint John, New Brunswick to Prince Rupert. British Columbia, to Lynn Lake, Manitoba and to the mountains of Peru, Pat provided his expertise and help to those in the mining and construction industries who needed it. But above all Pat was a family man and father who loved his children with all his heart. He especially enjoyed time spent with them reading, watching movies, experiencing the great outdoors and watching them grow into the young adults they have become. He was very proud of them. Pat loved life and took in all it had to offer, both at work and at play, and he enjoyed the time he spent with his friends and all the joy they had to offer him. Pat was, in spirit, a son of three countries. Canada, where he was born and learned his love of the land, Ireland where he learned his passion for history, and Peru where he learned of its culture, cuisine, and the pride of its people.
Pat particularly loved his Irish roots and folk music. These lyrics from "The Parting Glass" express our feelings best of all:
Oh all the comrades that e'er I had
Are sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e'er I had
Would wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise
and softly call
Goodnight and joy be with you all.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, November 26 at St John the Baptist in Fort McMurray, Alberta