Paul McLaughlin

Paul McLaughlin obituary, Auburn, WA

Paul McLaughlin

Paul McLaughlin Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Return Home Green Funeral Home - Auburn on Jul. 14, 2025.

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It is with unimaginable sadness we share that Paul Richard McLaughlin (56) passed away peacefully at home surrounded as he wished; by his wife of 34 years, Judi; his two devoted children, Joshua (28) and Marigrace (23), and the family pets, Jonesy and Watson.
Paul was born in Long Beach, California, in August of 1968 to Charles and Jeanie McLaughlin. At age 3, while living in Seal Beach with his family, including brothers Craig, Carl, Chris, and Charlie, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Thankfully, he survived to enjoy his childhood in California and Texas before settling with his family in Cannon Beach, Oregon.
Paul loved growing up in Cannon Beach; biking around town, racing RC cars with his lifelong friends Jeff and Josh, and shredding cheese at the Pizza Harbor; his first job. His hope was to one day retire and move back to Cannon Beach with Judi. It was there, during his senior year at Seaside high school, he met Judi. They fell in love, and 40 years later, that love is still forever.
After getting his Computer Software Engineering degree at Oregon Institute of Technology, Paul & Judi moved to Bellevue, Washington so Paul could begin what would become a brilliant career with a startup known as Adonis, which became ConnectSoft, then stamps.com. The company shifted, with part of this great group of people becoming Velleb, Move it,and finally iShip. He was so very thankful to work and be friends with much of this group for over 25 years, such as William, Dale, Lory and Shaun. A brilliant mind with a calm and curious spirit, Paul took great pride in his craft. He loved coding, and was exceptionally good at it, leaving his mark on the software/shipping industry. He was passionate about computers and known for his "trickle-down" philosophy: upgrade one system, and pass the parts down the line so everyone could get something a bit better. Just about every friend and family member benefitted from this philosophy.
During this time, Paul's greatest achievements were born: Joshua in 1997, then Marigrace in 2001. He introduced them to his love of the computer world and all things Rush. Joshua taught Paul how to play the guitar, and Marigrace shared her love of horror movies and taught him how to ski. He loved most every moment with them, but Friday night dinner and gaming with them and our beloved family friends, the O'Neills, was one of his favorites. He used to say, "Any day with the O'Neills is a great day."
In 2015, Paul was diagnosed with cancer yet again, this time in his left pelvis which put an end to skiing. After 30 months non-weight bearing, he was cancer-free and finally able to walk again. It was also in 2015, following this second cancer diagnosis, after over 20 years of living on Seattle's Eastside, that the McLaughlins moved to the Portland/Vancouver area to be closer to Paul's family. He continued to work remotely with iShip, enjoying movies, gaming, and many trips to the Coast as well as date nights, camping, and Vegas trips with the Moons (Jeff and Jodi).
In 2023, only 6 months after watching, with so much pride, Marigrace graduate Summa Cum Laud as a Registered Nurse, Paul was diagnosed with his third and final cancer: a Stage 4 Glioblastoma brain tumor. After a hard-fought 19 months using all of his superpowers - prayers from all over the world, his amazing doctor, Dr. Amber Ruiz, and the wonderful staff at Providence St. Vincents, that the Lord said, "Come home and rest" just 3 weeks shy of what would have been his son's wedding.
Paul is survived by Judi, his wife of 34 years, partner for 40, together since she was 14; their children whom he was deeply proud of; son Joshua and daughter Marigrace, his mother Jeanie McLaughlin, Step-mother, Barbara McLaughlin, brothers Charlie (Hilary), David (Jackie) and Mark McLaughlin, sister Erika (Jason) Branch brother-in-law Steve Jordan, and many nieces and nephews who so loved their Uncle Paul.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles McLaughlin, and his brothers Craig, Chris and Carl McLaughlin.
A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, September 13th at Crossroads Community Church in Vancouver, Washington.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the McLaughlin Family at https://gofund.me/57522be2 to help cover medical, terramation and memorial expenses.
Paul's legacy lives on in his beloved partner of 40 years, Judi; their wonderfully adored children Joshua and Marigrace and the memories they made together. It lives on in every line of code he wrote, and in every precious moment he shared with those he loved most in this world. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Gentle and soft-spoken with a dry, sarcastic sense of humor (which he passed on to his daughter) his wit often brought laughter and comfort at exactly the right moment. Now would be the perfect time We're waiting, Paul.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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