George Freeman McLaughlin

George Freeman McLaughlin passed away Dec 23, 2016 at his residence on upper Goodrich Creek Lane with his wife Maureen McLaughlin by his side. He was 93.

George was born Aug 17, 1923 in Basin, Wyoming to Murray and Julia McLaughlin, the sixth of ten children He graduated from Basin High School in 1941, and attended the University of Wyoming for one year. In 1942, he enlisted in the Naval Flight Training program and was commissioned as a Marine Corp Fighter pilot in 1943. Although against the Marine Corp rules, he married Ilene Musgrove from Greybull, Wyoming on April 12, 1943. He trained throughout the US and saw action in the Northern Pacific during WWII. After the war, he attended the University of Montana receiving his BS in Range Management & Forestry. While in school his son, Dan McLaughlin, was born in 1950. George's pursuit of a career in Range Management was interrupted when he was recalled to active duty as a Marine Fighter pilot to serve in Korea. While re-training at the El Toro Marine Base his daughter, Niki Jo McLaughlin, was born in Oceanside, CA in 1952. He flew over 90 missions while in Korea and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Returning to civilian life, George began a long and successful career with the US Forest Service. Starting as an Assistant District Ranger in Townsend, MT in 1954, he served as District Ranger in Augusta, MT and Livingston, MT. While in Livingston, his second daughter, Keri Lea McLaughlin, was born in 1961. Moving to Utah, George was on the Dixie National Forest staff in Cedar City and the Region 4 staff in Ogden, UT. He moved to Reno, Nevada in 1965 to be the Assistant Forest Supervisor of the Toiyabe National Forest, and back to Utah to be the Forest Supervisor of the Manti-LaSalle National Forest in 1968. In 1975, he moved to Portland, OR to be the Assistant Regional Forester for Range Management for the Pacific Northwest Region 6.

George retired in 1981 to travel with Ilene and to search for a retirement property. After a year RVing, they found the perfect place on upper Goodrich Creek Lane outside Baker, OR. Based on the book, "Five Acres and Independence", the property became fondly known as the "5 & I". Ilene passed away suddenly in 1985.

George married Maureen Boley in 1988. George and Maureen enjoyed many years of RV travel around the country, and the beauty and serenity of living on the "5&I". George's health remained good until the last few months, and the family is happy that he had the opportunity to enjoy his home and travels late into his life.
George was preceded in death by seven of his brothers and sisters, his first wife, Ilene, and his daughter, Keri Lea. He is survived by his second wife, Maureen, her son, Lance Boley of Cayman Brac; his son, Dan, and his partner, Jane Parker; his daughter, Niki Jo, and her husband, Duke Johnson; his granddaughter, Ilena; his brother, William, and his sister, Myna.

No immediate memorial service is planned. A celebration of life will be held later when the grass turns green.

Should friends and family desire, contributions in George's honor may be made to Heart 'n Home Hospice through Coles Tribute Center at 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.