Obituary of Patrick McLaughlin

January 29, 1941 - Kamsack, Saskatchewan

August 9, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

With great sorrow, we announce the passing of John Patrick “Pat” McLaughlin of Calgary, AB, who died peacefully on Friday, August 9, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 83 years.

Born in 1941, and raised on a farm near Kamsack, SK, Pat learned the value of hard work from a young age, while having many adventures with his five older siblings. He attended the University of Saskatchewan where he earned a Bachelor of Education, and later obtained a Master of Education from Gonzaga University in Spokane.

Pat dedicated much of his career to Calgary Catholic Schools, serving in various roles including teacher, consultant, supervisor, and administrator. He also worked as a mathematics manager at Alberta Education and as superintendent of Airdrie Catholic School District, where he played a key role in the district’s merger with Calgary Catholic School District.  

Pat was a man of faith, a devoted husband, and loving father. Though he was a man of few words, his unwavering presence and support were a constant in his family's lives. He was a hands-on dad who instilled in his children the values of hard work, integrity, and kindness through both his words and actions. Outside of his family life, Pat enjoyed baseball, curling, Stampeders football games, and travelling. 

In retirement, Pat and Mary moved to Radium, BC, where they made great friends and enjoyed the home he built with his good friend Armand Belcourt. He loved hiking, curling, playing duplicate bridge, winemaking, and he even won a gold medal at the 2023 International Amateur Wine Competition.At Canadian Martyrs Parish, he served as chair of the Parish Council and later the Finance Committee. He was Treasurer and then Financial Secretary for the Knights of Columbus. He was known for organizing and serving many pancake breakfasts. Pat also volunteered at the Invermere Food Bank and the Lions Club.

Pat is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Mary (Schuck), their four children, Michelle (Mervin) Merkowsky, Patricia (Tony) Paccagnan, Daniel (Lynne) McLaughlin, and Mary Kate (John) Wasch. He also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, John, Lucy, Clare, Benedict (Grace), Peter, Gemma, and Andrew Merkowsky; Julia (Ben) Greaves, Isaac Paccagnan, Cecilia, Maximilian, and Veronica McLaughlin; and Theresa, Patrick, Dominic, and Kateri Wasch; as well as one great-grandchild on the way, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Daniel and Alexia McLaughlin; brother Bill, and sisters, Lucille, Sheila, Rosella, and Betty Ann, as well as their spouses.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (10827 24 St SW, Calgary, AB) on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (10827 24 St SW, Calgary, AB) on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at St. Patrick Cemetery (14608 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary, AB).

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Pat’s family here.

In living memory of Pat McLaughlin, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.