Robert "Dr. Bob" Lee McLaughlin

Dr Bob was born September 18,1940, at home in Ringling, Montana where the once famous “Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey” circus wintered their carnival animals. His parents were Galen Glen McLaughlin and Ione Mae Harris McLaughlin. He is the third oldest of six siblings. Clinton Allen, Richard Glen, Robert Lee, Steven Howard, Sharon Mae-Hamilton, all deceased, and Karen Rae-Roberts, Springfield, Missouri.

Bob is survived by his wife and “best friend,” Carolynn Elizabeth Murphy McLaughlin of 72 years, with 65 of those years in “married bliss,” having grown up together as 10- & 11-year-old next door neighbors in Bremerton, WA, where their families both settled at the end of WWII.

Together they raised five strong, service-oriented children: Timothy Scott and wife Jacinda, Daniel Lee and wife Carrie, Mary Elizabeth and husband Gary, Scott Allen and wife Katy and foster son Mark Shotgunn. Their family tree continues to grow with 26 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren (with 2 more “in the oven”) and 1 great-great grandchild. All are the love of Bob’s life, and he is just a thought and a prayer away and close to you all. “None of you forget that!” (Gramma Mac emphasis added here).

Bob and Carolynn married young at only 18 & 17, just six days after Carolynn graduated from high school, beginning a whirlwind of exciting and fulfilling life experiences. Both began their working careers at The Boeing Company in Seattle, WA. Bob first worked in the Plastics Department, and then in the Electronics Department building electrical components for both the ballistic missile and the lunar space programs. He soon realized this was not a long-term career path of interest for him. They then made a risky life changing decision and pursued a course of action that had never been done on either side of their families—GO TO COLLEGE. So for the next 18 years, that’s what they did!

Bob, a “jock” in high school, had little interest in studying, but thankfully did graduate. While Carolynn, “an eternal learner” graduated with honors, and taught Bob how to study. While she worked, they both earned their first of many college degrees. Hers was an actual “P.H.T.” (Putting the Husband Through) award received after Bob finished his associate’s degree in Electronics at Olympic Junior College in Bremerton, WA. Carolynn then “retired” from working, as shortly thereafter they began their family of four, although Carolynn would go on to both proof and type many iterations of Bob’s Master’s thesis and Doctoral dissertation.

From 1959-1977, Bob spent a quarter of his life learning. He proceeded to become an honors student earning his Bachelor of Arts in Education from Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA, his Master of Arts in Education from Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA and his Doctorate in Education at Washington State University in Pullman, WA. All degrees were oriented towards Secondary Education and Vocational Training in Washington State, resulting in him authoring two books directly researched during his Master’s and Doctoral studies. One of Dr Bob’s published works is a hands-on manual titled, “Exercises for Developing Youth Leadership” and the other “A Crisis in American Education—A Love Story.”

Bob then began his 39-year educational career in the Yakima School District as an electronics teacher and then proceeded into administration becoming both Vice Principal and then Principal at A.C. Davis High School (while also finding time to coach and mentor many youths, including his own, on various fields and courts across numerous cities and states).

Dr Bob helped construct and was the first Director of the Yakima Valley Vocational Skills Center, serving 10 local school districts throughout the valley. He brought the International Baccalaureate Program to his teachers and students at A.C. Davis High School, enabling Davis to become even more academically competitive and nationally recognized. Bob’s last 11 years in education were spent serving as the Superintendent of the Union Gap School District, where he helped implement “ReadRight,” an innovative reading program that raised student reading scores from 20% to 80% within 2 years. Teachers, students and the school district received numerous state and national recognitions for their efforts in this regard.

From 1982 to 2004, Bob was recognized by numerous professional and governmental organizations, for his outstanding innovation and support for future contributors in society.

Most notable, Dr. Bob was appointed to the Advisory Council on Vocational Education by three Governors: Booth Gardner, John Spellman and Dixie Lee Ray, while serving as President of the Washington State Vocational Association. He also received special recognition on the floor of the U.S. Senate from Senator Slade Gordon for his reading program work. He was the first Superintendent in Washington to receive the “Golden Apple Award” as presented by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Then Governor Gary Locke, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction of Washington State recognized the Union Gap School District for their State test score improvement in reading at a school assembly, which was then posted on the State Website for one year. Lastly, Union Gap School District was also selected by PBS to be featured in a 30-minute broadcast across the network for one year, for outstanding test score achievement within its student body.

Upon retirement, Bob and Carolynn took the “ReadRight” program international, embarking to the Islands of Tonga on a teaching mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where Dr Bob utilized his Doctorate in Education to help certify Tongan teachers. With this opportunity, Bob was again able to share his love for reading with his Tongan students and increased their English fluency as well. A win-win for all!

In retirement, Bob also represented his church on the “Yakima Council of Churches,” becoming heavily involved in working with Yakima’s unhoused community. He was able to help spearhead the Justice Housing program and was instrumental in purchasing the Milroy Park property to build tiny homes for the unhoused. Active in both local Kiwanis & Lions Clubs, he also enjoyed serving and working closely with the “Martin Luther King Committee” for 25 years. Bob’s willingness to serve is legendary among those who know him as “Dr. Bob.”

Their choice to leverage education to help others, was a wise decision taken years ago by these “two kids” who have spent a lifetime together. It is now time to rest from your labors Dr Bob! Thank you, Yakima, for allowing our father to serve you, and for making him an exceptional husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. You will be missed by all, but never forgotten!