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William David McLaughlin Jr., who went by Dave McLaughlin, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He passed away at home on May 20, 2024.
Dave was born to William David McLaughlin, Sr. and Alma Steele May 26, 1943 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He served at Elmendorf Air Force in Radar Operations. He taught at high schools and alternative schools, Including Alaska Job Corps in Palmer. He also taught history at the Mat-Su College and went on to become a Counselor at the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.
He had a love of dogs and helped Linwood Fielder with his sled dogs for a number of years. He is survived by his two service dogs, Yancey and Ellie. He is also survived by his wife of 32 years, Denise McLaughlin, a brother, Richard McLaughlin, a daughter, Kari McLaughlin, a daughter by marriage, Skye Matlock, two grandsons, Hunter (Morgan) Matlock and Tanner Matlock, and a great granddaughter, Haisley Skye Matlock.
He did not want a memorial service, but would love it if you remembered his bad jokes, or made a contribution to an animal rescue organization. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/frontiersman/name/william-mclaughlin-obituary?id=55168468
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M. Dean Kinsey, MD
David and I have been friends since fourth grade in Maple Shade, NJ. We graduated together in 1961 from Moorestown High school. We kept a 'loose contact' over the years until our 50th high school reunion. Since then we have chatted one to two times per week; we enjoyed our conversations. There were many topics discussed. In my past I showed Shetland sheepdogs. Dave was very involved with service dogs, especially. Thus, our conversations almost always drifted toward our shared love of canines, Our friendship bonded over the years, and I carry with me a love for a man who was a veteran, and classmate who contributed to one and all. Like everyone, our name will be remembered until the last person who knew of our name passes. ------ Rest well my friend. ------ FRED WHITLEY