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John Mclaughlin uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, February 11, 2024
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Brent McLaughlin posted a condolence
Sunday, February 11, 2024
Tuesday February 6, 2024
Eulogy - William “Bill” James McLaughlin (Mar 1, 1927 - Feb 1, 2024)
My grandfather
Greetings, I’m Brent McLaughlin. I’m the husband of Cathleen. Father of our 3 kids, Dorothy, Aiden, and Eliana. My relation to Bill is his grandson. I am the eldest son of his 4th child, Bruce. He has 4 more children, my Aunt Joanne, Uncle John, Uncle Dave, and my Aunt Mary. His wife has gone before him, my grandmother Bernice. And he has many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and friends, many of whom are here today. Thank you for gathering today.
I have been given the honor of sharing today. I consider it a privilege to share though I don’t feel I genuinely could do justice to all who he is and meant to us all. But, I’m going to try and share some testimony of his life. Only a glimpse, really. Today, I will share primarily from my perspective with my most commonly used title for him of “Grandpa.” There will be many highlights from an autobiographical statement that was produced in 2013 interlaced with some personal reflections and hopefully, a story you’ll hear of grandpa’s life that was marked by his family, friends, and His Lord over the 96 years that God granted him to live. I am grateful to have known him and know for a fact that some part of him will remain with us. For some of you, it may be his quiet, deep in thought nature that stands out, a memory, or a conversation you had with him. My hope is all of the above. I was given something of his before I was even born or anybody really knew who I was. I was given his middle name, James. My Dad’s middle name is James and my first name is James which I also share with my other grandfather on my mother’s side, his first name is James. My grandpa Cramer and I go by our middle names, James Walter Cramer and James Brent. Great for icebreakers! Now, my son’s middle name is James, Aiden James. Thank you Grandpa for your name. So, I thought it would be fitting to start in the book of James.
James Chapter 1 verse 2-4 from the ESV
”Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
And further down
James Chapter 1 verse 12
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.“
If I had to define Grandpa in a couple words it would be “Steadfast and Content.” A steadfastness that has now made him complete. I will touch on contentment later.
Congratulations Grandpa, with great joy we celebrate your life and this great crown of life which God promises to those who love him. Oh, how great a promise.
William James McLaughlin was born March 1, 1927 at the Children’s Hospital, Buffalo, NY to Edward and Sara McLaughlin. She was a Caldwell. Edward was one of six children. His parents had both died by the time he was 12 years old. At the age of 40 he and my Great Grandmother Sara had William, she was 34 years old. He was an only child. Grandpa came around just before the Great Depression that had started in 1929. The devastating effect it had on the country's economy had become a great “trial” on the nation, but also on Edward and Sara as he was only working 2 or 3 days a week. Because of this they purchased a small farm in Ransomville. They moved there on Friday April 13, 1932, same location as my Aunt Mary and Uncle Anthony today on Braley Road.
Another great trial was in 1931, at the age of 4, grandpa survived polio. He was paralyzed for a short time and many wouldn’t know, but his right arm was about ¼ inch shorter than his left arm. He couldn’t throw a ball overhand after that. But he survived.
In another story of survival, one much more lighthearted, during the Depression. In order to sell the items from the farm they had a delivery route with around 100 dozen eggs per week, dressed chickens, butter and seasonal items of fruit and vegetables. In my grandpa’s words, in “one interesting trip to Buffalo in the winter I was driving [and by the way, just as an aside, this was in their 1936 Desoto Coupe, you should google it you’ll see it’s not exactly a delivery truck]... anyways, he said, “I was driving. There had been a snow storm and the roads had been plowed, but not like they do now. I headed up Birch Road and went over a bump of packed snow left from a drift. The Desoto had rather soft springs which made the bump worse. I said to my mother, ‘Do you think we should check the eggs in the trunk?’ I stopped and walked to the back of the car and was shocked to see scrambled eggs already running out. I opened the trunk and saw a real mess. We went back home and salvaged as much as we could and headed back to Buffalo. We had to ration out our inventory in order to cover our route, BUT WE SURVIVED!”
The farm was only 46 acres. It had wheat, corn, hay, oats, apples, pears, peaches, prunes, quinces, and plums. Also a variety of vegetables in a garden in the back of the house. Cows for milk and butter and horses which were used to do much of the farming work. His father’s health was deteriorating in the early 1950’s so most of the farming stopped but grandpa kept most of the tillable land in wheat and corn.
Grandpa’s education track was substantial, certainly worth a mention:
It all began in Kindergarten, Lindbergh Elementary School. Wilson #9 was next - grades 1 thru 8, this was a one room school on Braley Road, with 12-15 students. Then, Wilson Central High School, he was involved in both classes and sports. Later in life, he took up golf and even hit a hole-in-one at Newfane’s Par 3 Golf Course!
In regards to his schooling, grandpa said, “I started my freshman year with courses in agriculture. After two weeks my parents suggested that because of hay fever and asthma, which I suffered with, I should consider changing my elective course to business, which I did. As the years went on this turned out to have been a good decision.” End of quote.
His school had 200 students, 55 in his class, and he graduated in the top 10. Excelling in math.
In another story, he said, “In my senior year I tried out for a part in the senior play which was on Friday and Saturday night in the spring. They gave me a part named ‘muscles,’ a comic part. I weighed about 120 pounds so I don’t think my muscles were that big.”
He started at Niagara University in 1944. Then the Navy in 1945, many were drafted into the army at the time, he knew if he volunteered before the age of 18 he could pick the branch of military for service, he did. He chose the navy. He was the last vet from WWII in Ransomville. I’m told he will be presented with a flag today. Fri Apr 13th, 1945 he left for the Navy. This day shares significance with the day his family moved to the farm in 1932, Fri Apr 13th, 1932. In hindsight it ended up being quite the opposite of superstition and instead these were true markers in his life setting the trajectory much like his parent’s suggestion to study business.
After Japan surrendered and WWII ended he returned to Ransomville. He finished at Niagara University on the GI Bill in Accounting. Years later he got his CPA, took part in an Accounting co-venture and private practice and many other volunteer activities…like 27 years on the board at Lockport Savings Bank. He had involvement in many other business-related organizations over the years that are listed in his obituary if you want to read. It would be safe to say grandpa figured out money and how to provide for the needs presented. He had some level of mastery over generosity… understanding “it is better to give than to receive.” But also, being careful and diligent, disciplined, always teaching good principles on how to spend his time and finances, not lavish as some. I often pondered this as we now have our own family to care for, still do.
Neil Arnold became a great friend during his high school days. Both their families were involved at the Ransomville Methodist Church. Neal even solidified best man status in grandpa’s wedding too.
And now we are at one of my favorite parts…since many of us are here because of it… “meeting grandma.” He was at a gas station and noticed her coming out of the doctor’s office where she worked. Soon after, grandpa called her and they must have hit it off!
The story goes in his words, “In May of 1950 I started to date a Christian girl, Bernice Clement who I had ADMIRED since high school but would not date me because she did not want to marry a farmer. The Korean War was under way at that time and I was a member of the Naval Reserve and subject to be called back into active duty. On Labor Day weekend of 1950 we decided to get married, which we did on October 28, 1950 at the Ransomville Free Methodist Church.” End quote. They were married a total of 68 years.
They attended church faithfully many of those years. Observing grandpa it was evident he knew true contentment, it says in Philipians 4:12-13 in the NIV, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
He knew this.
Many times grandpa would be in private prayer on the side of his bed in the mornings before he would read his devotions, grandma didn’t know for years that was what he was doing. This was him. Quiet, consistent, faithful, often very reserved in his approach to life. This was some of his secrets of contentment coming out.
Both he and grandma would pray. Grandma told me one time she prayed for all her grandchildren by name.
On Christmas Eve each year they would read the full nativity story to their young family.
In his 90s, Cathleen and I were visiting with our kids and I asked him some questions about Jesus, and his countenance immediately lifted. He truly lit up as we shared back and forth for quite a while. Does your countenance lift when you hear the name of Jesus?
Now for an important statement, grandpa stated, “In my sophomore and junior year in high school I realized that I wanted to have God guide my life. This did not happen all at once but was a growing program from day to day.” End of quote.
After that, at Niagara University, he said, “At the end of my junior year I was not sure that I wanted to stay in the accounting field. I felt some call to go to a Bible college and possibly go to the mission field. I applied to Nyack Bible College near New York City AND was ACCEPTED. I think the Lord was testing me because He seemed to SHUT THE DOOR and I returned to Niagara for my senior year.”
I’m reminded of the scripture in 2nd Timothy 2 regarding the soldier, athlete, and farmer. Grandpa knew all 3, remember the hole-in-one? In considering this next passage I decided he would want you to hear the whole thing and not leave anything out so here it is…this is written from Paul’s perspective while in prison to the younger Timothy, but this time I would encourage you to hear grandpa saying it to you personally…since his life already has spoken…
Hear the accountant and father speaking that nearly went to Bible College…
2nd Timothy Chapter 2 verse 1 through 13
“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
REMEMBER Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the SALVATION that is IN Christ Jesus with ETERNAL glory. The saying is trustworthy, for:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
if we endure, we will also REIGN with him;
if we deny him, he also will deny us;
if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.”
**PAUSE**
So with this in mind, I want to share some concluding thoughts on thankfulness inline with his steadfastness and contentment he had developed.
Grandpa said, “First of all thanks to God for all that we have for our life, our families, our friends, for the country we live in, for the world around us and for every day. Then do not be afraid to express that thanks. I have found that when I recognize and give thanks that there are few things that I am missing if any at all.
I have tried every day to give thanks, and some days several times, to God for His help and goodness to my family and me. I am thankful for their support. My wife Bernice, our children, Joanne, John, David, Bruce, and Mary and their spouses, our grandchildren and all of the great friends and friendships which have come about by all the things I have been exposed to and been a part of.” End of quote.
And in case you were worried…I would be a miss if I forgot to mention “The Cottage” which became a favorite retreat on Lake Ontario of over 60 years for our family. So many good memories there. My parents were even engaged there. Thank you grandpa for that! Well done.
And from the words of the Doxology, which he probably sung hundreds of times in church much of his life. He closed his autobiography by saying, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.”
If you would please bow your heads in prayer…
Heavenly Father…we thank you for grandpa’s life, grandpa’s example and all the great memories we were granted…even the tough ones, we thank you for those too. Allow us to grieve and think fondly about his life and all the ways he touched each one of us. In Jesus Name Mighty Name, Amen.
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Cyndy Stranges posted a condolence
Thursday, February 8, 2024
I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Bill. Please accept our deepest condolences during this difficult time. Our loving thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Cyndy and Nick Stranges
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scott huntington posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Our condolences to the entire McLaughlin Family. Remember distinctly Mr. McLaughlin striding towards Bewley Building exit while I inquired "you heading to lunch?", he smiled and said no, it is my birthday & I am retired. While staying active in retirement, his mind never truly retired. Knowing Mr. McLaughlin was both a pleasure & an educational experience. Happy Thoughts, Scott Huntington
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Debbie Bunce posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Bill was across hall from Boyd, At Lockport Rehab facility. Boyd has already indicated he misses Bill’s friendly wave and hello!
We are sorry for your loss.
Please know that you are in our prayers!
Boyd Bunce and family
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Iva Streeter posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Our deepest condolences to the family. We always used Bill’s service for our business and family needs. He was intelligent and always there when needed. He was a blessing to everyone who met him.
Iva Streeter and family
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Carol Boehlke posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Uncle Bill was a kind, gentle, generous uncle, who enjoyed humor, gave hugs and was interested in our family and mission life. We will miss him , but know we'll see him and Aunt Bea in heaven one happy day. Love and prayers for the family, Carol and Gerald
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Stephanie McLaughlin posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Dad McLaughlin was a wonderful and supportive father-in-law. He offered encouragement through ministry times, and I seemed to look forward to nearly every year going over our taxes together. Our family enjoyed spending time with him and Bernice for extended days at the house and at the cottage. I appreciated his quiet manner and a hug at the end of every visit. I also appreciated his faithfulness to God. We will miss you, Dad.-Stephanie
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Dale Clement posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Some of my fondest memories are visiting uncle Bills house on Christmas every year while growing up. I always looked forward to seeing the beautiful tree and having time our cousins.
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Anonymous purchased flowers
Sunday, February 4, 2024
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Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time.Love,Doug & Michele
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Nancy Barlow posted a condolence
Sunday, February 4, 2024
McLaughlin family-So sorry for your loss and sending many thoughts and prayers for each of you and your families. Bill was such an active member of the church an community and will surely be missed by all who knew him. God's blessings to all of you.
Nancy Barlow and LaFever children
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Ed Stefik posted a condolence
Sunday, February 4, 2024
Dear Mary and Tony please accept our condolences on the passing of your Dad . Our prayers are with you.
Ed and Pat Stefik
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Joanne Nemecek posted a condolence
Saturday, February 3, 2024
Julie Nemecek, spouse of Joanne, adds her condolences. She is grieving the loss of her fathe-in-law,
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Your SalesPage Family purchased flowers
Friday, February 2, 2024
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We extend our warmest sympathies to Mike Nemecek and family, as you gather to memorialize the life of William McLaughlin.
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Ann Kennedy posted a condolence
Friday, February 2, 2024
Bill was a gentle, quiet force here in Ransomville creating opportunities for many children and teenagers. He obtained the grant monies to move the original Ransomville Post Office to its current location, and for the gazebo. He helped to keep the Ransomville United Methodist Church going as long as it did with his guidance, wisdom, and financial sustenance. He helped many of us fulfill our dreams, and I was very fortunate to benefit from his and Bernice's generosity. I went with The American Youth Symphony and Chorus to Europe in 1969 and Sang a Recital at Kloster Andechs in Bavaria, Germany in 1996 through their generosity. I loved being at Ad Council meetings with him because of his quiet wisdom. The Ransomville Christmas Walks were splendid in the 90's because of his input and generosity. We all benefit from the William McLaughlin Free Library. My deepest sympathy to his children, grandchildren, and our community.
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Mike and Teresa Trank and Family posted a condolence
Friday, February 2, 2024
Bill was a kind and intelligent man. He helped out in many ways. He will be missed. To family and friends: We are sorry for your loss. We trust he is with God in Heaven now.
-Mike and Teresa Trank and Family
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Friday, February 2, 2024
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Friday, February 2, 2024
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