John "Riley" McLaughlin

John "Riley" McLaughlin grew up in San Francisco and Mill Valley, California. He was the son of Herbert McLaughlin and Eve Pell, and brother to Daniel, Peter, Grace, and Gwendolyn McLaughlin. After attending University High School, Riley graduated from Brown University with a B.A. in Classics — a degree that suited his keen interest in all things obscure, arcane, and speculative, though his passion for Dungeons & Dragons had surely begun much earlier. He was a proud member of the co-ed Delta Psi fraternity and the Kappa Chapter of St. Anthony Hall, a literary fraternity. Following college, Riley devoted much of his life to mentoring youth and young adults in Unitarian Universalist communities. He was a kind and gentle soul with a sharp wit and deep intelligence — an avid board gamer, science fiction enthusiast, and spirited singer of sea shanties.
He was an active member of Aspire House in San Mateo and a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and diversity.
Riley was laid to rest at Fernwood Cemetery in Mill Valley, California. He was 58 years old.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Aspire House at aspireclubhouse.org/donate