Obituary of Joshua Hunter McLaughlin

Joshua passed away October 29, 2013 at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington, at the age of 31. Josh was born on July 12, 1982 in Olympia, Washington, to Karen and Thomas McLaughlin. After graduating from Yelm High School in 2001, Josh attended college at Pierce College in Steilacoom, Washington, and Clark College in Vancouver, Washington. Josh served his country in the US Army from 2003 thru 2011. During this time, he completed two tours in Iraq, as well as two tours in Germany. In 2010, Josh married the love of his life, Carla June Shields, on March 17 at the Clark County Courthouse in Vancouver, Washington. Josh greatly enjoyed being outdoors doing a wide range of activities, from geocaching, hiking with his wife and dogs, just hanging out with friends and family, to golfing, camping, exploring Mt. St. Helens and going to concerts at the Gorge. He was also a member of FFA and 4-H. Josh was really kind and funny. He wasn’t always quick with a retort but even when he “Joshed” it, he always made you laugh. Josh is survived by his wife, Carla of Yelm, WA; three brothers, Brian McLaughlin of Milton, WA, Arin Robertson of Yelm, WA, Shawn Keppery of Olympia, WA; five sisters, Amber Robertson of Yelm, WA, Kimberleigh Boyer of St. Helens, OR, Kerri Boyer of St. Helens, OR, Jamie Keppery of Olympia, WA, Lacey Bane of Milton, WA; parents, Thomas and Karen McLaughlin of Yelm, WA and Wayne and Patrice Boyer of St. Helens, OR; grandparents, Jean and George Yeager, George Whittaker, Richard and Lucy Shields. Donations can be made in Josh’s memory to any OBEE Credit Union under the name Carla McLaughlin. There will be a Celebration of Josh’s Life in the spring and a summer expedition up Mt. St. Helens to release his ashes. Please leave memories of Josh or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.