Howard Nichols McLaughlin Jr.

Howard Nichols McLaughlin Jr. On October 31, 2012 at the age of 86 Howard Nichols McLaughlin Jr. of Fortuna, CA peacefully passed on. Howard (Mac) was born to Muriel Elaine Berry and Howard Nichols McLaughlin in Yreka, CA on December 9, 1925. Upon Graduating from McClatchy High School in Sacramento in 1943, Howard joined the Marine Corps. He was deployed to Iwo Jima in 1945 and fought a 35 day battle before being evacuated off the island. He was then involved with the occupation of Japan at Sasebo and the occupation of China. On May 22, 1946 he married Helen Ulrey. They started their life together in San Mateo, where Howard became a civil engineer for the California Division of Highways. They later settled in Cupertino, CA. They raised two sons and Howard retired from Caltrans. He obtained his real estate license and general contractor's license. Later Howard and Helen moved to San Juan Bautista, CA. There he had a commercial greenhouse business, during which time he hybridized and introduced 23 new fuchsia varieties. Then they made their finale retirement move to Fortuna, CA. Howard was involved with the community as a volunteer for the Fortuna Police and a member of the Rotary Club, as well as the Marine Corp. League. Helen passed in October 2006. Howard is survived by his two sons Doug and his wife sue of Terrebonne, OR and Dale and his wife Vicki of Peyton, CO; his brother Robert of Windsor, CA; five grandchildren Jeff, Jason, Ryan, Katie and Kevin and five great-grandchildren Megan, Amber, Hailey, Julian and Jeremiah. He also leaves behind a close friend Chris Kitna and a very special person in his life for the last five years Bette Moore. Also a Very special thanks to the doctors and caregivers over the last few years. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, November 15 at 1:00 P.M. at the Fortuna River Lodge. Arrangements under the care of Goble's Fortuna Mortuary, Fortuna, Ca. Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standrd.com, click obits.