Patrick John McLaughlin, age 67, passed away at his home on Saturday, December 29th, 2018 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Pat was kind and caring and will be missed by all who knew him. We are comforted knowing he will be awaiting us in Heaven.
Pat was born on February 9th, 1951 to Jack and Betty McLaughlin in Milwaukee, WI. He and his family moved to Helena in 1953. He spent much of his childhood waterskiing at his family’s cabin on Canyon Ferry Lake, riding motorcycles, hunting with his Dad, and working on old cars, especially his red Mach 1 Mustang.
He received his education at Bishop Gilmore Elementary and graduated from Helena Catholic Central High School in 1969. After high school he attended the Helena and Billings VoTech to study auto mechanics, welding, and layout design. He worked for Caird Engineering in the boat service and accessory department from 1971 until 1986.
Pat met the love of his life and future wife, Shirley Phillips, in Helena, MT in 1982 and they were married on February 12th, 1983 in Deer Lodge, MT.
In 1986 the opportunity arose to start his own business so, with several partners, he started One Way Marine. Pat loved the boat business and through the years he could remember everyone he sold a boat to and what boat they had purchased. After selling the business in 1997, he would go on to work at MSD Computer Supply until 2005 and then Mountain West Bank, as the Facilities Officer, until his retirement in 2014. Pat always loved working with his hands and in his spare time and in retirement he built several homes with his brothers and did many remodelling projects for others in the community.
Pat and Shirley raised two beautiful daughters, Sarah (Brad) Maddock and Nicole (Josh) Dirks. The love for his wife and children was immeasurable, there was nothing he wouldn’t do for his family. Pat and his family spent many summers at Seeley Lake, where he loved to camp. Camping with Pat alway included the whole family, his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews and many friends. He also enjoyed traveling to Florida and Hawaii to escape the cold Montana winters and someday hoped to retire somewhere warm.
He became a grandfather in 2017 and his heart was melted by his granddaughter, Thea Marie Dirks and grandson, Will Patrick Maddock. Being a Grandpa brought so much joy and happiness to his life and there was nothing more special to him than spending time with his Grandchildren.
Pat was known to many as “Uncle Pat,” the man who could fix anything. If there was something to be done he was the one to call. He loved helping others and spending time building and fixing things.
Pat is survived by his wife; Shirley, daughters; Sarah (Brad) Maddock and Nicole (Josh) Dirks, grandchildren; Thea Marie Dirks and Will Patrick Maddock, parents; Jack and Betty McLaughlin, sister; Linda (Todd) Schneckloth, brother; Mike (Terrie McLaughlin), sister; Mary (Larry) Chvilicek, brother; Dennis (Charmaine) McLaughlin, and brother John McLaughlin. He is also survived by his beloved dog Harley, many nieces and nephews, and extended family members.
The family will receive friends on Monday January 7th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Anderson, Stevenson, Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday January 8th at Noon at The Cathedral of St Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street. A funeral reception will follow in the Brondel Center in the lower level of The Cathedral immediately following. A private family burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday January 7, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday January 8, 2019
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Tuesday January 8, 2019
Brondel Center
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday January 7, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday January 8, 2019
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Tuesday January 8, 2019
Brondel Center
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Alex Long (Coe) says
To Shirley, Sarah, Nicole and extended family –
Pat was such a warm, kind and caring person. As a good friend of Nicole’s through the years, I have to say watching him as a dad (and most recently, grandpa) was a role he not only excelled at but cherished so much. I feel very blessed to have known him and know how much he will be greatly missed. Sending my thoughts, love and prayers to you at this time.
Alex Long (Coe)
Suzanne Wilke says
Patty was such a good, caring man. I am blessed to have known him. Sue Wilke
Colleen Dunne says
I am so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. Your family is in my prayers.
Colleen
Thomas Juhl says
R.I.P old friend you will be missed…….
Ross and Diane Johnson says
Rest in peace Pat. What a great co-worker, and friend. I know I will miss him. My deepest sympathies to Shirley and her family.
Joanie Werner Mathis says
For years I have always called him “Uncle Pat” which was such an endearing name! Said by many, esp Madison, Ashton and Whitney! We worked together at Mount West Bank, through Stockman Bank , but it was always a pleasure to be around Pat and Shirley. They both loved you unconditionally. What a legacy he has left to all of us to follow. Especially to His family. I am so happy that he got to experience having grandchildren.
Prayers for the McLaughlin family.
MarlaAnne Mousseau says
To Shirley and the entire McLaughlin clan,
We are better people because of both business and personal relationships as children growing up.
Please accept the sincere condolences of the entire Jacoby and Mousseau families.
Shirley Cole says
Shirley and family, Jack and Betty and family. Words are not able to express what a fine, caring, and fun fellow Uncle Pat was. I know the girls, Ashton, Whitney and Maddie will miss him as will everyone else that had any contact with Pat. I am so glad he got to hold his grandbabies and I know he is stilling at God’s right Hand and telling Him all about the joys he had with them. God bless you and grant you peace. Love you all and prayers are being said for the McLaughlin family. Peace.
Debbie Reber Carter says
God bless Pat, my neighbor out at Canyon Ferry Lake while we were growing up. Pat was a great water skier and a friend. So sorry for your loss, he is gone too soon.
My prayers are with the family.
Julianne Hill says
Shirley, Sarah, Nichole and family, Thoughts and prayers to you all during this time. So sorry to hear this news. We Will be praying for peace and comfort for you all!
Elli Olson says
Shirley and family
I am so sorry about Pat. Pat was an exceptional man. I remember the day you got married. You were both so happy. You were so good for each other. I know you will always feel his loss. My prayers are for all of you.
Mark C Viergutz says
So saddeded by Pat’s passing. I worked with him at Mountain West Bank and always found him the kindest, gentlest of men. Always there to help and lend a hand. My condolences to the family for losing such a wonderful man at so young an age.
Bob Morgan says
Godspeed Pat. You were a good friend in grade school and high school to many of us. One of the members of Helena Central’s class of 1969, only class to attend all 4 years of high school at the old Helena Central High School. Condolences to the McLaughlin family from the HCHS class of 1969.
Darrel & Carol Alm says
Shirley and family, Darrel and I are so sorry for your loss. Darrel grew up with Pat. May the Lord comfort you and the girls..
Elmer R Cole says
So sorry to read of Pat’s passing. He was such a likable man.
Dennis Glueckert says
Have many fond memories of visiting the whole McLaughlin family in my youth when our family traveled to Helena to visit relatives. May Pat’s soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed rest in peace.
Our sympathies,
Dennis and Connie Glueckert
Dick Trerise says
My prayers are with the McLaughlin family that I grew up and lived next to, in one way or another, all my life. May God Bless you all with His peace and comfort.
Julie Graham says
Shirley, John, Dennis and families,
We are so sorry for your loss. Pat was a true gentleman and we feel so blessed to have known him.
Sending love and prayers to all.
Lee and Julie Graham
Carol Buerman says
My words are few but my thoughts sincere to all the McGlaughlin family. I trust Gods divine love will enfold all of you through this sad time. Happy memories will return as you remember Patrick’s well lived life. Most sincerely, Carol Buerman
Terry McArdle says
Pat was a good man and good competition. He really did have a great memory and a fine sense of humor, too.
R.I.P. old friend. You will be missed.
Arlen Tofslie says
Though I never met or knew Pat, I share the family’s loss through Mary and Larry as dear friends. My prayer support is for you and with you.
Arlene N Diehl says
Pat built part of our home and his workmanship was wonderful. So sorry that he has passed from this world so soon. Prayers sent to family and friends as we all share in this loss.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers 🙏 are with all the McLaughlin family.
KEN MCLAUGHLIN says
My family had a cabin at Canyon ferry also. Pat would bring their boat and pick me up. He spent many hours teaching me how to slalom ski. He was a good friend in High school. Teresa and my Prayers are with your family
Ken Mclaughlin and Teresa Mclaughlin
Annette Baird says
So sorry to hear of Pat’s death. He was a wonderful and fun loving man. You were lucky to call him friend and family. I will be thinking of you all. So sorry for your loss. May your many memories of great man will keep him alive in your memories and your heart.
Dean Retz says
What a great person, so gifted, and talented. The McLaughlin families are very talented! John and Dennis – it was such a great pleasure to have worked with your brother. GOD BLESS.
Mike & Diana Hall says
Dear McLaughlin family, We are sending hugs and praying the Lord puts His loving arms around you and brings comfort. Blessings, Mike & Diana
DeVere and Kristine Hansen says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family for comfort and peace. Pat was a special man. We will miss his smile. Sending our love to all of you.
Glen J Cuchine says
Dear Shirley, Jack, Betty and family, May your many fond memories of Pat and his wonderfully warm spirit sustain you all during this difficult time. Peace be with you all.
Ryan Domier says
My condolences to the whole McLaughlin family. Pat was a kind person, always willing to help where he could and listen as a friend. Be in peace Pat. Your kindness was one of a kind and will be missed.
Diane and Mike Langenfus says
Our deepest condolences to the whole McLaughlin family. We are both from Helena Central graduating class of 1967 and went to school with Pat’s sister Linda. I remember Pat as he was in the same class as my brother Bob. God speed Pat!
Mike and Diane Macaraeg Langenfus
Carrie Stenhjem says
Our deepest condolences to the whole McLaughlin family. Pat was a kind, wonderful soul. Always lending a friendly ear. He will missed by many.
Todd and Carrie Stenhjem
Bonnie Isaak says
To all of Pat’s family My deepest sympathy. Pat was a lot of fun to be around. Cassie and I enjoyed spending time with him. He and Larry were great friends.