Woodbury- Blair A. McLaughlin, a cherished member of the community, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at the age of 67. Born on February 26, 1956, in the city of Stamford, Connecticut, Blair was the only child of the late James A. McLaughlin and Gloria J. McLaughlin, both originally from Canada.

Blair spent his formative years in Monroe, Connecticut, where he attended high school. After his education, he embarked on a successful career at IBM Southbury, located at 150 Kettletown Rd, where he made valuable contributions in the operations, repairs, and maintenance of HVAC, plumbing, and generating equipment. Dedicated and skilled, Blair took great pride in his work, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues. He was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers.

Beyond his work, Blair was a passionate enthusiast of car racing, particularly NASCAR. He thrilled in attending car shows and indulging in his love for music by attending concerts across various genres. He had an insatiable curiosity and enjoyed learning, often spending time in the library planning his next adventure or delving into various topics. Blair had a generous heart and possessed a strong belief in the power of giving. If something was not in use, he would ensure it found a new home with someone who would benefit from it.

Blair loved his family and treasured moments spent with them. Whether it was gathering for a shared meal, celebrating special occasions, or simply relishing in the joy of each other's company, Blair cherished these bonds. He loved to reminisce about family reunions in New Brunswick, Canada or the many weddings and funerals we attended over the years. He held deep connections with his uncle and aunt Walter and Patricia McLaughlin, as well as his cousins Tracy McLaughlin Gulick and Robin McLaughlin Keegan and their families.

Besides his parents, Blair was predeceased by his aunts and uncles, Gordon and Charlotte McLaughlin, Elton McLaughlin, Mary Lynne McLaughlin, Ida and Basil McLaughlin, Andy and Nellie McLaughlin. Blair leaves behind his cousins, Robin (McLaughlin) Keegan and David Spence, Tracy (McLaughlin) and Michael Gulick, Marcia (McLaughlin) and Angel Ramirez, Kirk and Hannah McLaughlin, Kent and Heidi McLaughlin, Scott McLaughlin, Marjorie and Brian Anderson, Benson and Sharon McLaughlin, Tim and Kelly McLaughlin, Marcia (McLaughlin) Jackson, Karen and Kenny Eaton, Beth McLaughlin, Delores (McLaughlin) Barry, Kathy (McLaughlin) Bacon, Iris (McLaughlin) and Tom Verner, Helena (McLaughlin) and Sanford Goodine, Patricia (McLaughlin) and Robert Comeau, Wanda (McLaughlin) Childs, Audrey (McLaughlin) and Richard Doiron, Mark McLaughlin, Alison McLaughlin. He also leaves behind His aunts and uncles, Walter and Patricia McLaughlin, David and Twila McLaughlin, Caroline McLaughlin, Homer McLaughlin, as well as many, many more 2nd and 3rd cousins from all over the States and Canada. Each one shares in the sorrow of his departure and carries the memories of his vibrant spirit.

Blair's sudden passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt by his loved ones. In adherence to his wishes, he will be cremated, with his ashes interred alongside his beloved parents in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada, in the coming spring. A memorial visitation will take place on Thursday, January 4, 2024 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM in Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 2 School Street, Woodbury, CT 06978. We extend our deepest condolences to all those who knew and loved Blair McLaughlin. May the memories of his warmth, generosity, and zest for life bring solace during this difficult time.