Obituary of Brian Monty McLaughlin
Brian McLaughlin was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 20, 1943, to the late James and Marie (Kennedy) McLaughlin. He passed away at the age of 79, on Friday; May 5, 2023, at ProMedica Skilled Care and Rehabilitation under the care of ProMedica Hospice. A 1961 graduate of Monroe Catholic Central, Brian also completed the Ford tool and die apprenticeship and was a graduate of Henry Ford College.
Brian had a long and successful work history in a variety of industries with several companies on a national level, including sales manager of a fire truck manufacturer. He was very proud to have spent 30 of his work years with Monroe icons: Monroe Shock Absorbers and La-Z-Boy. He retired from La-Z-Boy after 22 years as National Sales Manager of their Contract Furniture Division. He was well known for his integrity, candor, honesty, tremendous sense of humor, quick wit, and sharing a joke or two. Many people said that he had the best memory that they had ever seen, which served him very well. His extensive work-related travels on a national basis included over two million air miles and approximately a half a million highway miles. He logged the equivalent of 10 years of nights in hotels. Wherever he traveled and worked, he made friends for life including fellow workers, customers, and competitors alike. He always had time to stop and talk to employees at all levels from delivery drivers to presidents of companies. He also spent 15 years post-retirement as a sales management consultant and a very successful manufacturer’s representative, often smiling about having one manufacturer and one customer. He was also a corporate mentor and coach to the president of a very successful company.
He spent two years in the army achieving a rank of SP 5. He was very proud of service to his country. His memberships and past memberships include Monroe Boat Club, Elk’s, Moose, NRA, American Legion, and forty-six plus years as a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous. He was also in numerous industry professional associations where he held leadership positions and was well trusted by all.
He truly enjoyed life to the fullest and enjoyed time spent with family and friends. He especially enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren playing all sports and family time at Crystal Lake, where he loved the water. Beyond the sports and fun times, he was filled with pride at the achievements of his children and grandchildren. They all became solid and successful model Christians of this world with tremendous work ethics prepared to meet the challenges that they face. He and Pat also enjoyed their winters in Florida for many years. Perhaps among his favorite activities was “breakfast with friends” on Thursday mornings with a great bunch of guys. He cherished their friendship and time spent together tremendously.
To cherish his memory, he is survived by his former wife Pat (Maloney) McLaughlin, daughter Danielle (Ron) Complo, son Ryan McLaughlin, grandchildren Cassie and Logan Complo, brother Terry (Karen) McLaughlin, sister Cathy (Jim) Rayes, niece Quinn McLaughlin, nephews Matt (Ashley) McLaughlin, Nick (Marvel) McLaughlin, Scott (Sarina) McLaughlin, Dave (Cindy) Dean, Rob (Jackie) Dean, Julie (Jim) Jacobs, Michael (Jessica) Miletti, and Kenneth Clark, as well as many dear friends all over the country including special friend, Tess. He was preceded in death by his parents Jim and Marie McLaughlin, brothers Garry McLaughlin and Hubert McLaughlin, and his surrogate parents Monty and Anna McLaughlin.
Brian extends his gratitude to his favorite doctors: Mohammad Javaid, his physician and great friend; Ed Feldman, for his friendship, counsel, and advice; and Dr. Seuss, for his philosophy and wisdom, including Brian’s favorite, “A person is a person no matter how small,” with no reference to size.
Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 7:00pm on Friday; May 12, 2023 at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. At 7:00pm, Deacon Mike Stewart will lead a sharing of memories where guests will be encouraged to speak. He will lie in state from 9:30am until 10:30am on Saturday; May 13, 2023, at St. Mary Catholic Church; 127 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162. The Mass of the Resurrection will take place at 10:30am also at the church with Father David Burgard officiating. Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery for inurnment at the Chapel of the Peace Mausoleum where cemetery services will be under the auspices of Monroe Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138.
Memorials in his honor, are suggested to St. Mary Catholic Central or Tunnels to Towers. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.
“Don’t cry because Brian’s gone but smile because he was here.”