ALTON – Fred A. “Buster” McLaughlin Sr., 74, died unexpectedly Thursday, June 10, 2004, at his home. He was born Feb. 1, 1930, in Old Town, son of the late Clifford H. and Edith (Drake) McLaughlin. He was a loving husband and father. He loved his grandchildren and was very proud of each one and all their accomplishments. He enjoyed traveling to sports events to watch his grandchildren run, ski and play softball, field hockey and soccer. He also attended many musical concerts, gymnastics meets and dance recitals. He was an avid sportsman and never passed up an invitation to go hunting with his son and nephews. Buster loved to pick blueberries out on the Pushaw bog. He was a real “people” person and made friends wherever he went. He was very family orientated and was very fond of his nieces and nephews, and all of their individual achievements. Buster spent many hours working at the Alton United Methodist Church and in the community. You could find him pounding nails, waiting on tables or running the dishwasher at the Senior Citizens dinners. He also volunteered with his wife on many of the work projects with the Old Town Rotary Club. He learned to play golf during his retirement and loved playing the game with his wife and special friends, Lynette, Howard, Margaret and Reggie. His smiling face and joking personality will be missed and fondly remembered by all. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Eloise; children, Beverly Monsulick and husband, Stephen, of Readfield, Fred McLaughlin Jr. and wife, Eva, of Alton, Brenda McCormack and husband, Peter, of Alton; grandchildren, Shannon McLaughlin of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Heather McLaughlin of Alton, Stephen Monsulick III and Jennifer Monsulick of Readfield; sisters, Mae Wickett of Old Town, Helen Avery and husband, Bob, of Greenbush, Pearl Wade of Bradford; brother, Paul McLaughlin and wife, Shirley, of Kennewick, Wash.; sister-in-law, Dorothy McLaughlin of Old Town; father-in-law, Nathan Kamen; brother-in-law, Mark Kamen and his wife, Pam, of Boothbay Harbor; special aunt, Lynette Pete; sisters-in-law, Jenny Madden of South Africa, Florence Briggs and her husband, Arthur, of Florida. He was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, George McLaughlin and Walter McLaughlin of Old Town; and a sister, Phyllis Sharp of Argyle. Friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at the Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. A Celebration of Life will be conducted 10 a.m. Monday at the Old Town United Methodist Church, with Pastor Maria Guereca officiating. Internment with military honors will be held at the Alton Cemetery immediately following the service. Gifts in his memory may be sent to the Alton Methodist Church, care of Paulette Borja, 3945 Bennoch Road, Alton, ME 04468. The family invites everyone to gather at the Alton United Methodist Church, following the burial for refreshments and continued fellowship. Those who wish may visit www.mem.com to send a personal tribute.
FRED A. ‘BUSTER’ McLaughlin
