Search by Name

Search by Name

Brian Nevius McLaughlin

1943 - 2023

Brian Nevius McLaughlin obituary, 1943-2023, Washington, DC

Brian McLaughlin Obituary

McLaughlin

Brian Nevius McLaughlin (Age 80)

Brian Nevius McLaughlin died gracefully from complications of Primary Progressive Aphasia and Vascular Dementia on July 11, 2023. He was at home in Takoma Park, MD with his wife, Donna Firer, and their two daughters, Katie Garber (Adam) and Amelia McLaughlin, at his side.

Brian was born in Washington, DC in 1943 and grew up in Garrett Park, MD. Brian graduated from Walter Johnson High School in 1961. A life-long athlete, he gained brief and shining stardom as a Junior on the Varsity Basketball team. From 1965 -1968, Brian served in the Peace Corps as a middle school teacher in Sarawak, Malaysia.

He completed a B.A. in Behavioral Research with High Honors at Yale University in 1965 and a Doctorate in Educational Psychology and Evaluation at the Catholic University of America (CUA) in 1980. Brian had a 25-year career at the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as an Education Specialist, Psychologist, and Computer Specialist (1970-1995).

He had a fulfilling second career at the intersection of education and technology, which included work at Green Acres School and PBS Online NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.

Child development was one of his intellectual and professional passions. When Katie and Amelia were young, Brian wrote of his "deep-in-the-bones feeling that daddyhood is my truest calling in life," adding, "Young children are life spirit incarnate, when you muster the patience to appreciate it."

Brian was an avid supporter of progressive causes. Notably, during the politically hot summer of 1964, he joined hundreds of college students who went to Mississippi to assist civil rights groups in registering African American voters.

Brian was known as a deviser of elaborate ruses and an inventor of games - and for his garrulousness ("How do you get this guy to be quiet?"). But more than that, he was known for his keen ability to create and energize community; he loved having fun with people and solving problems together.

In addition to his wife and daughters; Brian is survived by his sisters, Coille Hooven (Berkeley CA) and Karen Gallant (Frank), (Soquel CA); his two granddaughters Diana and Rhiannon, and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents Donal McLaughlin, Jr. (2009) and Laura May Nevius McLaughlin (1998); and his brothers-in-law Peter Hooven (1991) and Peter Pfaelzer (2021).

People of all ages were drawn to his cheerful and playful essence. His kind and gentle spirit is hugely missed.

A memorial gathering, "The Life of Bri," will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Silver Spring on September 30, 2023 at 3:30 p.m. in the afternoon. Services will also be livestreamed on ZOOM; contact the family for more details.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Brian's memory may be made to: Carpe Diem Arts' Daily Antidote of Song https://www.carpediemarts.org/donate; Democracy Now! https://www.democracynow.org/donate; or

WPFW 89.3 FM https://pledge.wpfwfm.org/index.php

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Aug. 21, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian McLaughlin

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

Carole (RAnkin) Richardson

July 19, 2025

I was on one of Brian´s coed softball teams 50+ yrs ago. He was known as John Denver as he looked like Denver and sounded like him when playing his guitar
Many good memories!!

Lee and Diana Trunnell

September 16, 2023

I met Brian in the spring of 1971 after my girlfriend, Diana (now my wife of over 51 years), called me to say that some guy had an ad on the NIMH bulletin board looking for softball players to form a team to play in the NIH co-ed reverse (guys batted reverse of their normal stance) softball league. That team went 0-7 in 1971, but then, with Brian's guidance and patience, got its act together and went 4 and 1 in the post season tournament and won the tournament championship. Because Brian worked in the Child Research Branch (CRB) of NIMH, some opponents called us the "the crybabies", however, that nick name did not last too long. Many years of very successful softball campaigns followed with any number of added players along with some who retired. The nucleus of that team stayed together and went on to play in the Montgomery County Co-ed league for many years. After the game rendezvous at various watering holes included rehashing of the game, having some refreshments and some singing. We also had end of season parties at someone's house, including food, and Brian bringing his guitar which added to the singing. After Brian bought his house on Sherman Ave., we had at least one of those parties there. Interestingly, at least 8 people who played on the team became girlfriend/boyfriend and later married and started the next generation of ball players.
Brian brought a lot of leadership, inspiration and guidance to the team in addition to his overall softball skills (hitting especially) along with his speed in center field and on the base paths.
Lee, WJ '63 (and Diana) Trunnell

George Murray

August 22, 2023

Brian and I worked at NIH many years ago when personal computers were being introduced. Without reservation he was such a pleasant person to be around and work with on projects. His dedication to quality training coupled with a desire to "lift up" the student provided an inspiration to everyone he encountered. I know he will be missed but people like Brian live on in the memory of other.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Brian McLaughlin's name

Memorial Events
for Brian McLaughlin

Sep

30

Memorial Gathering

3:30 p.m.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Silver Spring

DC

How to support Brian's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Brian McLaughlin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more