Dr. Carl Patrick Laughlin

Carl Patrick Laughlin, MD, a physician for more than 50 years in Newport News and a member of the medical team for the original Mercury 7 astronauts at Langley Air Force Base, died November 14, 2016 at his home in Williamsburg from pancreatic cancer. He was 85.

He was intelligent, compassionate and a consummate physician. Even in his final days, he never lost the core qualities that made him the man who was so loved and admired.

A proud Mountaineer, Dr. Laughlin was born September 28, 1931 in rural West Virginia, the son of Carl Adam Laughlin and Frances Ann (Knee) Laughlin.

Dr. Laughlin graduated from West Virginia University where he was a member of Mountain, the service honorary. He then attended the University of Maryland Medical School, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and was inducted into the medical honor society, A.O.A. He went on to train in Internal Medicine at Case Western University and served in the Air Force as a Flight Surgeon. It was while training at Case Western that Dr. Laughlin was given the opportunity to work with NASA in the developmental stages of the space agency. He was assigned to the medical team for the original Mercury 7 astronauts at Langley Air Force Base. Dr. Laughlin was the lead medical officer for John Glenn's orbital flight, after which he wrote the paper “Physiological Responses of the Astronaut”. An interview with Dr. Laughlin about his time with NASA is available on YouTube (Dr. Patrick Laughlin, Mercury 7 Astronaut Physician)

Dr. Laughlin was a gifted, dedicated and tireless physician. He served on the medical staff of Riverside Hospital in leadership roles and mentored residents for more than 40 years. In practice, Dr. Laughlin was a staunch defender of the private practice of medicine. He was always eager to engage with his patients, recognizing that the skill of a good diagnostician lies in the quality of the time spent with the patient. A lifelong Democrat, he also enjoyed political dialogues with patients. He always held patient care as his measure of success as a physician and saw medicine as a calling. In 1996 he was the recipient of the Virginia Chapter Laureate Award, American College of Physicians.

Retiring only six months ago from his practice of Internal Medicine, he was greeted by more than 100 patients who signed his white clinic coat on his retirement day.

In addition to his practice, Dr. Laughlin had many interests and passions. He was committed to issues of social justice and environmental conservation. In the 1970's he was quick to join with others in the opposition to an oil refinery proposed for Hampton Roads Harbor. Development of this refinery would have had devastating effects on the Chesapeake Bay and lower James River. Also in the 1970's Dr. Laughlin became aware of the poisoning of the James, linked to the pesticide Kepone, which was being released into the James River from a plant in Hopewell, VA. Along with other concerned citizens, Dr. Laughlin worked tirelessly to protect and preserve the fragile James River.

Dr. Laughlin loved sports, particularly college level football and basketball. He was a passionate and devoted West Virginia University fan. He played football in high school, later becoming an accomplished tennis player and avid sailor. He took up golf later in life, enjoying time on the golf course with dear friends.

A chance introduction to a top rated Burgundy wine in medical school was the beginning of a lifelong love and connoisseurship of wine. He enjoyed collecting wines, as well as sharing his love and knowledge of wines with friends and family.

Dr. Laughlin was an avid reader who had mastered the art of speed reading. He particularly enjoyed the works of Patrick O'Brien, John LeCarré and titles pertaining to the WWII, especially the role of aviation.

Dr. Laughlin never met a cat that he did not like. He owned and loved many over the years. Most recently MeiMei, Yoshi, Beau and Hodge were his faithful companions, hardly leaving his side during his final days.

Dr. Laughlin was, above all, a proud father and grandfather. In addition to his wife, Karen Kellog Laughlin, he is survived by his sons, Daniel (Kelly) of Severna Park, MD and Peter (Betsy) of Sarasota, FL, step-daughter Kimberly (Doug)Towne of Bon Air, VA and step-son Kameron (Katie) Turner of Middleburg, VA, and nine grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brothers Joseph (Lois) of Santa Barbara, CA; David (Janet) of Williamsburg, VA and Mark (Bernadette) of Columbus, OH.

The family would like to thank Grace Hospice, Agape Home Health Care and Dr. Laughlin's many devoted friends for their help and loving care during his illness.

A celebration of Dr. Laughlin's life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The C. Patrick Laughlin Scholarship at West Virginia University. Checks addressed to the WVU Foundation with 2P003/C. Patrick Laughlin Scholarship in the memo section can be mailed to One Waterfront Place, 7th Floor; PO Box 1650; Morgantown, WVU 26507.

Online condolences may be offered at www.nelsencares.com.