John Jude McLaughlin

John was the life of the party. A warm and gregarious man he made friends easily. He was active in his union and is fondly remembered by his mates from Northwood Pulp, the soccer fraternity, golf, skiing and the Celtic Club. John was an ‘Englishman’ but Irish at heart, enjoying the friendly banter and the ‘craic’ that he was ‘neither fish nor fowl’. A ‘foot in both camps’ he often remarked.

John coached Brian’s soccer team for many years and was a regular at the soccer club until the age of 70 when he hung up his boots. An ardent Chelsea supporter, he also kept up with the “gallant, unlucky Cobblers” from Northampton, his birthplace. He loved downhill skiing and the many ski holidays. Journeys to see family in the U.K. would include a European trip and he travelled often to Mexico and California. Summers since 1976 would mean a holiday in the family’s favourite happy place, Naramata. John enjoyed the trails around PG and in December was still walking at UNBC Greenway. Famous for his fish and chip parties and industrial sized deep fryer he delighted in serving family and friends. He frequently quoted Shakespeare, Yeats and other poets and knew the lyrics to every Irish song. He loved Dylan and Cohen. Daughter Moira and John shared the bond of poetry, music and humanism. They had long philosophical discussions on many topics and had the same sense of humour.

He was a loving husband and father, a proud ‘Papa’, an uncle and brother in law. John is survived by his wife of 49 years, Jackie, daughter Moira Clare, son Brian (Danielle), precious grandchildren, Conlan and Anna. Left to mourn sister Maureen (Pete), daughter Laura, sister Margaret (Chris) sons, Steven and Nick, brother Jimmy, first cousin, Tom (son Jamie and Emma)) nephew Derek (Deanna) daughters Peyton, Kaitlyn and Henley, niece Kiera, sister in law Moira, brothers in law Kevin (Linda )and Eddie Devlin. Also Michael McLaughlin (Edith) son, Shawn and Janice, Lisa and Tracy. Many relatives as well in England, N. Ireland, Ireland and the U.S.A.

Life will never be the same without our ‘Handsome John from London’ a nickname he embraced wholeheartedly! We shall miss his deep love, his laughter and his wit.

Special thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Cancer Clinic, ER and Family Medicine Unit, University Hospital of the North. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Spirit of the North HealthCare Foundation, in John’s name, gratefully appreciated.

No service by request. Celebration of life to be held at a later date.

“Will it alter my life altogether? O tell me the truth about love.” (W.H.Auden)