John W. LAUGHLIN

03/05/1938 - 05/11/2014

LAUGHLIN, John W. (Age 76) John Ward Laughlin passed away on May 11, 2014 after a brave struggle with a long illness. John was born March 5, 1938 in Moscow, ID to Kyle and Marguerite Laughlin and grew up there with his sisters Kay and Helen Laughlin. He served in the U.S. Army in Verdun, France from 1956 to 1958. John graduated from University of Idaho in 1966 where he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He married Nora Laughlin in 1984 and his children are Kirk Laughlin, Kyle Laughlin, Craig Landron and Lisa Green. John was a Kiwanis member for over 50 years, most recently in the Northeast Spokane Chapter, and is a past Lt. Governor (1987-1988). He took great joy in his many years playing Santa at the West Kiwanis Christmas Party. His other passions included: being part of the Beginning Experience leadership team, helping lead Landmark Education, serving as campaign volunteer for State Sen. John Moyer, serving as a Ham on Regal Player (1985-1988), and being a Toastmaster in Moscow and Spokane, WA. He was also a Master Gardner and an accomplished and avid photographer. In 2002, John started the company Empowering People with his wife and business partner Nora. John enjoyed being a part of the Washington State Residential Care Council (WSRCC) of adult family homes. He managed the business office and loved to talk to homeowners and students. John was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Kay. He is survived by his wife, children and 10 grandchildren: Alysha, Mike and Albert Green; Caleb, Rebecca, and Samuel Landron; Morgan, Mason, and Jonathan Laughlin. And the newest one, five-week old Rory Laughlin. A saying he quoted often: "I am a gentleman ... and a gentle man." There is no finer example than John Laughlin. John's memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2014 at Heritage Funeral Home.