Obituary of Philip J. McLaughlin

Philip J. McLaughlin Philip J. McLaughlin went to be with his Heavenly Father on November 28, 2011. He was born to Charles P. McLaughlin and Marie (Kauth) on September 20, 1920 in White Bear, Minnesota. He was part of a large family, having five brothers and four sisters. He lived in Minnesota and Wisconsin before his family moved to the Olympia area around 1937. He helped his father remodel homes as one of his first jobs. He had other jobs in construction working for local building companies and was part of the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) in the 40s. He started working at the Olympia Brewing Company in the early 50s and stayed until his retirement in the mid 80s. He worked as an engineer in the boiler room and later in the pipe shop. After retirement, he spent his time with family, volunteered with the Catholic Church , and helped his neighbors in numerous ways. He married Carol T. Spinning on June 11, 1941 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lacey. They chose Olympia for their home to raise their nine children. He was very active in the Catholic Church, participating in Legion of Mary, Catholic Chore Services and many other activities through the years. In 1971, they moved to Oakville, Washington, a rural farm community 30 miles from Olympia, where they lived another 31 years, making friends and helping others in their rural neighborhood. He loved vegetable gardening, caring for animals, and taught his family the value of these skills. Music and storytelling were important parts of his life, and these were cherished by the many family and friends with whom he shared them. He always had a story to tell and a song to sing. In 2002, they returned to Olympia to live closer to family. Carol was the love of his life and they shared nearly 65 years together. She lived to be 83, passing in 2005, and Philip lived to be 91 years of age. A devoted husband and father, Philip is survived by his nine children: John (Barbara) of Apache Junction, AZ; David of Olympia; James (Vicki) of Littlerock; Thomas (Karen) of Yelm; Philip (Janeen) of Shelton; Roberta (Michael) Mobbs of Olympia; Theresa (Frank) Rush of Olympia; Barbara (Marvin) Robbins of Rochester; Mariah Laamb (Thomas Lee) of Olympia; 26 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by his two sisters and one brother, Rita Goldsby of Olympia; Mary Warren of Olympia, and Fr. John McLaughlin of Chehalis. He was predeceased by his wife, parents, four brothers and two sisters, five infant daughters and one infant grandson. Our family would like to thank the adult family home where Dad spent the last six months of his life. A very special thanks to Zeny and Ed Ravancho for their dedication, compassion, and caring of our Dad like he was part of their family. Services will be held on Friday, December 2, 2011 at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1021 Boundary St. SE, Olympia. There will be a viewing at 11:00 a.m., followed by Funeral Mass at 12:00 noon, and a reception at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Elma, Washington at 3:00 p.m. Please leave memories of Philip or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.