Daniel McLaughlin Jr.

FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA — Daniel (Danny) Charles McLaughlin Jr. passed away unexpectedly at his home in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., on May 19, 2013.

Danny was born in Boston, Mass., on Dec. 26, 1977, to Daniel and Vicki McLaughlin, and grew up in Fryeburg Harbor, Maine.

Growing up, Danny spent many days in the woods and waterways of Maine, fishing, hunting, catching frogs, and camping. He participated in soccer, baseball, basketball, skiing, ice skating, ultimate Frisbeeâ„¢ , and bicycling. He was a member of the Boy Scouts and 4-H clubs. He had a heart for adventure, fun and magic. He was an artist in many ways and enjoyed all kinds of art throughout his life. Danny was always kind and protective of his younger siblings, and of all children, always exhibiting gentle care and love. His love of animals and the beauty of nature carried on throughout his adult life.

After growing up in the harbor, and graduating from Fryeburg Academy, Danny lived in Iowa, and Calif., where he worked as a pastry chef. He eventually moved to Fla., to be closer to his family where he enjoyed bicycling, sports, the ocean, and the outdoors. Danny always had a passion for music; he played many instruments including the saxaphone. He loved travel and often traveled to music festivals, making friends everywhere he went. Most of all Danny loved his family and spending time with them made him happiest.

Danny was a handsome, charming, intelligent, spiritual, loving person, with an unforgetable sparkle in his eyes that will be sorely missed by all who knew him. His contagious smile and infectious laughter will never be forgotten. Danny’s gentle spirit taught many people around him understanding and love. He was blessed with a faith in God and a compassion for humanity that showed in the way he smiled, talked, lived, and loved.

Danny was lost too soon, but his gentle, loving example will be cherished and remembered forever.

He is predeceased by his father Daniel Charles McLaughlin Sr.; and two grandfathers,  Kenneth Van-Patten, and Eugene McLaughlin.

Danny is survived by his mother Vicki McLaughlin, of Basin Bayou, Fla.; his sister, Erin McLaughlin and her partner Anthony Cavazos of San Francisco, Calif.; his brother Owen McLaughlin, wife Marian McLaughlin and his two nephews of Anchorage, Alaska, Conner and Keagan McLaughlin; his grandmothers Mary McLaughlin of Lovell, Maine, and Doris Render, of Des Moines, Iowa; as well as his many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Fryeburg, Maine on June 12, 2013 at 10 a.m., followed by a burial at the Austin Bemis Riverside Cemeterey in Fryeburg Harbor. Refreshments will be served after at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, followed by a celebration of his life.

In Danny's honor/memory please practice/engage in a random act of kindness and continue to do so whenever possible.