JOHN “PAT” PATTISON McLAUGHLIN, age 69 of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully Monday, January 18, 2016. Pat was born in Battle Creek, Michigan to John P. and Juanita McLaughlin. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Valerie; and his two sons Elliott and Patrick; sister, Michele Ream; special aunt, Marjorie Valkanet; several nieces and nephews; also loving cousins. Pat was a 1965 graduate of St. Phillips Catholic High School in Battle Creek, Michigan. He served his country from 1966 to 1969 serving in the US Army Honor Guard. Pat enjoyed 39 years working in the insurance business. Pat and Valerie and their children lived in Traverse City and Grand Rapids where he was active in the Knights of Columbus. He is a former president of the Ottawa Hills Neighborhood Association and served on the Grand Rapids Public Museum Association Board. He volunteered with the Kent County Sheriffs Traffic Squad. He also was a member of the Mental Health Foundation Board of Directors. In Traverse City he served on the Great Lakes Community Mental Health Board. He was a past president of the Scenic Trails Council of Boy Scouts of America, and a member of the Rotary Club. Pat was instrumental in forming the Northern Michigan Association of Health Underwriters. He loved life and all his family and many friends. He will be deeply missed. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen Church, 750 Gladstone Dr. S.E., East Grand Rapids. Rev. Thomas Brown presiding. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation Thursday 4-7:00 p.m., with a vigil at 6:30 p.m. at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made in Pat’s name to St. Stephen’s Knights of Columbus Council or Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook SE Suite 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49546-5783.
