Richie S. McLaughlin 62, of Tucson, Arizona, died May 18, 2012 surrounded by family after a courageous battle with melanoma cancer. He was born December 12, 1949, in Tucson, the son of late Vera Shepperd and William McLaughlin. He was the youngest of three children. On February 7, 1981, he married his devoted wife, Fern. Richie is survived by his wife, Fern; children, Sam (Christina), Kassie (Daniel) and Pattie (Ken); grandfather to Sean, Sarah, Lilianna, Jaiden and Arrianna; brother, Bill (Sandy) and sister, Betty; nephews Marc (Carrie), Jimmy and Mike (Charlene).

He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. After his discharge, he worked as a firefighter with the Tucson Fire department. Upon retiring from the fire department, Richie worked as a journeyman plumber with the Amphitheater School District. Richie was an avid speed enthusiast who raced drag boats, "Moody Blues" and "Incoleherent". Richie was a true believer in working to live and enjoyed his assortment of "toys"; motorcycles, quads, RVs, boats and jeeps.

A Service to celebrate Richie's life will be held on Saturday May 26, 2012 at Mountain View Baptist Church, 3500 West Overton Road, at 11:00 a.m. In Lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name with the University of Arizona Skin Cancer Institute. Arrangements entrusted to ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.

Printed in the Arizona Daily Star