Richard "Dick" W. McLaughlin's Obituary
Richard “Dick” McLaughlin, age 88, passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at the Poppen Residence. He was born on January 18, 1931 to Walter and Lottie (Richards) McLaughlin in Muskegon. His early childhood includes wonderful memories in White Cloud, MI with his extended Richard’s family, where he developed his life-long love of the outdoors, hunting, camping, and motorcycling. In high school he lettered in Big Red football and was the last to wear a leather helmet. “Tex”, as he was aptly nicknamed for his unique fondness of country music at the time, turned down a football scholarship to join the Air Force (1950-1954). He was a cryptographer and saw Texas, Kansas, Washington, and the Strategic Air Command (SAC) in Nebraska where he met the love of his live, Alyce. After marrying, they resided in Muskegon and started a family. For a time, he ushered and managed the Frauenthal (then, the Michigan Theatre.) Dick started work at the Mart Dock on Muskegon Lake and made his career in the transportation industry as a Terminal Manager at Blue Arrow Douglas. He had varying roles in various transportation clubs, serving as the President of the West Michigan Transportation Club and eventually retired from CW Transport. He later was a driver for My Auto Imports. After his kids had grown, he and Alyce enjoyed motorcycle trips and later spent winters in Punta Gorda, FL. He enjoyed cars (particularly jeepsters), golf, and was known for his cowboy hat, quick wit, and ability to sketch and write poetry. If you had a poem given to you or written about you, it was a treat. He was a long-time member of Fruitport Congregation Church UCC. He is survived by his wife, Alyce McLaughlin. Also surviving are his four sons, Michael (Rebecca) of Muskegon, MI, James (Renée) of Grand Haven, MI, David (Beth) of Muskegon, MI, Terrance (Nina) of Naples, FL and twin daughters, Kathleen (Tim) Burress of Whitehall, MI and Colleen (Jack) Clark of Fruitport, MI, seventeen grandchildren (Erich, Brendan, Erin, Kristi, Stephanie, Kimberly, Samantha, Amy, Angela, Amy, Madeline, Natalie, Rogan, Keegan, Elaina, Brianna, and Nolan), and ten great grandchildren (Trent, Easton, Emma, Austin, Andrew, Caiden, Sophia, Xavier, Kylee, and Samson). Richard is preceded in death by his parents Walter E. and Lottie D. McLaughlin, a brother Donnie, and a sister Karen L Hogendyk. A CELEBRATION of Dick’s Life will take place in September on the family property in White Cloud, MI. For a more lasting memory, donations in Dick’s name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Harbor Hospice, or the Muskegon Big Red Athletic Foundation. Feel free to share a memory with the family at their online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
The family respectfully asks loved ones to be sensitive to Alyce’s memory issues when consoling or referring to the death of her husband.
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