With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Donat “Don” “Donny” McLaughlin on Monday, June 1, 2026 at the age of 60.
Don will be remembered as a man who lived life entirely on his own terms. Stubborn to the core and known for always needing things done “the right way” — which usually meant his way — Don had a personality that left an impression on everyone who knew him.
Beneath his rough edges was someone who would help anyone without hesitation. He showed his care more through actions than words and was never one to sit still, always keeping busy and willing to lend his time when it mattered.
A truck driver by trade, Don spent many years on the road, but home was where he was happiest — especially with his music playing loudly and a cold Labatt Blue in his hand.
Most of all, Don loved his family. He leaves behind his loving wife, Grace; his children, Kelsey (Garret) and Gerry (Christine); and his cherished grandchildren, Cambria, Jaxon, and Lucy, who brought him immense pride and joy.
He is also survived by his mother, Rolly; his stepfather, Peter; his mother-in-law, Carmela; his sister-in-law, Marianna; his brothers Dennis (Sherry), Duncan (Kim), Darrell (Tracy), and Gerry (Val), as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, whom he loved deeply and talked about often.
Don was predeceased by his father, Wilbert; his father-in-law, Vincenzo; his sister-in-law, Palma; his nephew, Dustin; and Dustin’s daughter, Cheyanne.
Though life with Don was not always easy, it was always genuine. He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and impossible to forget.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to his care team, everyone at EPC, and especially his friend Troy, for their kindness and compassion during this difficult time.
As per Don’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation or celebration of life at this time.
If you wish, donations in Don’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Northern Animals Rescue and Sanctuary located in New Liskeard, Ontario.
Sympathy Messages
My deepest condolences to your family. He was such a kind and joyful presence during our camping days, always finding a way to make us laugh and feel welcome. I am grateful for the memories we shared. I haven’t seen him in years, yet life surprises you, as our families became linked after my daughter married his nephew. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Wishing peace and comfort for the whole family.
May my support warm your heart
- Berta , on
June 2, 2026
Sending prayers and sympathy to all of Don’s family and friends.May you find peace and comfort knowing that he was a great person.May he rest in peace.
- Norma, on
June 2, 2026
Sending my deepest condolences to all of Donny’s friends family. He was a great person who loved to have fun. Thinking of everyone. May he rest in peace
- Joanne Morris, on
June 2, 2026
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing,, Andy worked with Don at Nordex for 10 years,,Don was a very reliable truck driver and a good friend,,, deepest condolences and prayers to his wife Grace and all his family and friends! Rest in peace Don🙏
- Judy & Andy McKnight , on
June 2, 2026
To Grace and family so sorry for your loss I worked with Donny at epc for 12years with him but I knew him for over 40years . He was a very kind hearted soul and would help anybody in need of help. The world lost a very genuine man .He love to have a good time and made you laugh .Fly high Donny and spread your wings .imsure he having a cold one too R.I.P you will never be forgotten by me. I’m very grateful for knowing you all my life .
Brent
- Brent, on
June 3, 2026
Dear Grace & Family: I'm so sorry to read of your husband's passing.
Thinking of you, & your family at this difficult time.
Bren
May my support warm your heart
- Grace & family, on
June 3, 2026
Dear Grace: I'm so sorry to read of your husband's passing. Thinking of you & your family at this difficult time.
- Bren Szalajko, on
June 3, 2026
We were so sorry to hear of Donnies passing. He will be missed by everyone that knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the famiy and friends.
- Bev and Louis Metson, on
June 3, 2026
To Don's Family
I was very surprised to hear about Don's passing I don't know if he was sick for a while but I knew him very well along with his Brothers Duncan and Dennis when they had McLaughlin Movers here in KL.
May he rest in peace 🙏
May my support warm your heart
- Nicole Moreau , on
June 3, 2026
Grace and family, We are very saddened to hear of the passing of Don. Our thoughts and prayers are with Don's family and friends at this difficult time.
- Ralph and Mary Sangiuliano Peters, on
June 3, 2026
sorry to hear about donnys passing. we were close and had lots of good memories to remember you. i willl miss you r.i.p. donny.
- Grace and family, on
June 3, 2026
Deepest sympathies to Kelsey & Garret and Lucy as well as your mom, Grace and your brother Gerry and family. Thinking if you at this very sad time. Hugs Kelsey 💔
- Susan Richards, on
June 3, 2026
Donny was our neighbour for several years. He always said we were family because my sister Tracy and Darrell were his family, then we were as well. I loved watching old videos of the Gold Range.. He loved my grandma Ella Clement, and watching her dance made us tear up. He will be missed. My deepest condolences to Grace, Gerry, Kelsey and children, as well as the entire McLaughlin family. Give grandma Clement a hug for us ♥️
- Nancy Chartrand , on
June 3, 2026
Grace and family
I am sorry to read of Don’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time🙏
May my support warm your heart
- Cathy Le Clerc, on
June 3, 2026
My deepest condolences. It was a pleasure and delight to work with Donny at EPC. He taught me a few things I didn’t know about trucking. We had many laughs and lots of great talks. RIP Donny.
May my support warm your heart
- Jim, on
June 4, 2026
Dear Grace and family
Sorry for your loss
- Doris Uhrayn, on
June 4, 2026
Grace Kelsey Gerry and all the families friends and love ones of Donny condolences to you all so sorry for your loss . Big hugs to all. I will cherish our child hood memories it’s too bad as we get older we seem to go in other directions that is truly unfortunate. Our thoughts are with you all at this time.
May my support warm your heart
- Lorrie Robbie Brough, on
June 4, 2026
Dear Grace and family,
We are saddened to hear of Don’s passing. Our deepest sympathy. Your family is in our thoughts during this difficult time. Our heartfelt condolences.
Monika and Mike
- Monika Schallenberger, on
June 4, 2026
My dearest condolences at this time of loss .
- Anne Larocque Malette , on
June 4, 2026
Dear Kelsey, Garret, Lucy and family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. So young and taken too soon.
May your dad’s memory be eternal.
Aunt Fran & Tom xo♥️
- Aunt Fran & Tom , on
June 5, 2026
Grace Gerry Kelsey My heartfelt condolences to you and family. God Bless and prayers are with you at this difficult time. From Cathy Crites ♥️
- Cathy Crites, on
June 6, 2026
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