Robert McLaughlin Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

LOCATION

Pelham, New York

Tough Guy and Poet, Too
Robert C. McLaughlin Jr. ran with the bulls in Pamplona, visited the killing fields in Cambodia and sailed the South China Sea. He played rugby and lacrosse in college, and later, as vice president for emerging markets at Cantor Fitzgerald, romped the playing fields of American capitalism. He was a man of adventure and action, a tough guy.

He also wrote poetry. This wasn't something he shared with many people, and he didn't do it often. But every now and then, when he felt particularly moved, he found his voice in verse. It happened two years ago, the night before his wedding, recalled his wife, Liz. And it happened again in April, when he began a new poem about their first child, Nicholas, now 10 months old. Like many new fathers, Mr. McLaughlin, 29, of Pelham, N.Y., was endlessly fascinated by the infinitesimal ways in which Nicholas was growing and becoming. He wrote:

Open your eyes young Nicholas

Open and see the colors

Of the world around you

Roll over young Nicholas

Roll over and see the light

Of day that awaits you

Crawl young Nicholas

Crawl and peer over the edge

Of experience that awaits you

Walk young Nicholas

Walk and find --

The last verse was a work in progress. "That's as far as he got," Mrs. McLaughlin said.

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Posting Guidelines|FAQ

Hey Robbie! We’ve got a big camp reunion happening this month. I know you’ll be a part of thoughts and stories. As one thinks about all things that have happened in our lives since Camp and since 9/11 in detail, a lot of time has gone by. But when I think of our shared time in the fields and waterfront of the Iron Works in New Hampshire, it’s like yesterday. The moments are stamped within me forever. Your smile and laugh will never leave my mind. Thinking of you and all the friends and family...

Chris Joosen

September 11, 2024 | Redmond, OR | Friend

Brian Mannix

October 17, 2021 | Brooklyn, NY

I loved Robbie since I met him at Sunday school at the Episcopalian Church in Garden City. He was a great man who has changed my life since his passing. I feel connected to him in some strange way. His was the first name I saw when I went to the 9/11 Memorial years later. It was unreal. Mrs. Mclaughlin, I barely remember you, but I know that your son still lives past his years of death. I'm nearly sure of it. I hope you and the family are well and have found comfort knowing that...

Brian Mannix

October 17, 2021 | Brooklyn, NY | Friend

Rob - Although we met in Hong Kong on the other side of the world, I think of you often as I live in Garden City, the town where you grew up. I remember our time in Asia, traveling around, your wedding in DC, and helping you demo your New Rochelle kitchen when you asked me if I wanted to come over and “break stuff”! You are missed every day!

Dan Carey

September 12, 2021 | Friend

Robbie, 20 years. Can’t believe how time stops for nothing. I try to slow the sand sometimes as it streams through the hour glass and put myself back in past memories. Youth becomes more and more distant, yet so much more a part of who we are and become. I’m so happy I got to share a little bit bit of mine with you. All of us who were able to be with you during those summers of innocence are better for it. We will never forget. Cabin 28 forever. Juice.

Chris Joosen

September 11, 2021 | Redmond, OR | Friend

Take me back to the Lake...Miss you Robbie!

Found this classic Polaroid in a box of old stuff. Watch over us my friend.

Nick Yardley

September 11, 2020 | Penngrove, CA | Friend

I was thinking of you yesterday and wondering how your family is doing :)

Bonnie Conrad

September 12, 2019 | MA | Acquaintance

Another year... praying for you, and remembering the laughs...

Shabbab Khan

September 11, 2019 | London | Friend

Another year. Time goes on with you in our minds. Pat Morrison coming to visit next month and then Shadow in November. Well talk about you. Watch over us...ok? We need it more than ever. Juice.

Chris Joosen

September 10, 2019 | Redmond, OR | Friend

Robert C. McLaughlin Jr.

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