The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Michael Hugh McLaughlin of Sisters passed away at his home on November 25, 2016 in the loving arms of his wife, Karen.

Michael was born on March 21, 1960 in Medford, the son of Richard K. and Betty Jane McLaughlin. He was a 1979 graduate of Medford Senior High School and a 1983 graduate of the University of Oregon.

On March 11, 1989, Michael married Karen Anne Kessinger, his best friend through life. Together Michael and Karen had two great kids, Audrey Anne McLaughlin of Carbondale, Colorado; and Staff Sergeant Hayden Michael McLaughlin, USAF, of Mountain Home, Idaho.

Following graduation from college, Michael began a career in the lumber business as a lumber broker, specializing in the NW green Douglas fir market. Michael loved the industry, and especially enjoyed the people he worked with and met through his business dealings. Michael continued his trading activities as the West Coast sales manager for Timberline Forest Products up until his death.

Michael had a love for adventure and a boundless enthusiasm for life. He was passionate about experiencing the outdoors with his family and pet dog in tow. He especially enjoyed the road cycling and mountain biking the Northwest offered - logging hundreds of miles of beautiful countryside roads and mountain trails. He was also an accomplished downhill and cross-country skier, always looking for that steeper slope or untracked powder.

Michael often took to the trail, backpacking and climbing many areas and mountains of the Pacific Northwest. In the late 1980s, as a resident of Washington state, he sailed extensively the waters of the Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands and the Canadian Gulf Islands. Mike's love of the outdoors stretches back to his youth growing up in Southern Oregon. His family and friends are eternally grateful to have experienced these good times and adventures with him.

During his spare time, Michael and Karen built or remodeled 5 beautiful and unique homes on the Oregon Coast, in the Portland area and most recently their family home in Sisters. Before moving to Central Oregon, Michael and his family spent 13 years on a farm in the historical Swiss countryside of Helvetia - where they farmed, raised their children and ran a seasonal U-cut Christmas tree business.

Michael was inherently positive and optimistic about life, even through his tough battle with cancer. He was always ready and willing to help a friend, no matter what the need or time of day. Michael had a strong calling to give back to the community, and following his move to Sisters he became a volunteer firefighter for the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District. During his time with the department, he was given the Lifesaving Award for Exemplary Service. In the end, it was his brothers and sisters of the Sisters Fire District who gave back to him at his greatest time of need. Michael and Karen will be forever grateful to these outstanding and selfless firefighters, EMTs and volunteers.

Michael will be forever loved and missed

"End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it." - J.R.R. Tolkein

Michael is survived by his wife of 27 years, Karen Anne as well as his daughter Audrey Anne and son Hayden Michael. He was proceeded in death by his father Richard K. McLaughlin in 2015. Michael is also survived by his mother, Betty Jane McLaughlin of Medford; and his four brothers including Steve (Julia) of Seabeck, Washington; Dave (Julie) of Medford; Mark (Laurie) of Issaquah, Washington; and Andy (Tami) of Bozeman, Montana; and nine nieces and nephews.

The family would like all remembrances/contributions made to the Sisters-Camp Sherman Volunteer Association.

A memorial service is scheduled for January 27, 1 p.m. at Sisters Community Church.