John Thomas McLaughlin

John Thomas McLaughlin (Tom) passed away March 4, 2024. Tom was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, September 4, 1936, to John Eugene McLaughlin and Olga (Woik) McLaughlin. 

Tom grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from Washington High. After graduation, Tom’s family including his sister, Maureen, moved to Los Angeles, CA. Tom attended East Los Angeles Junior College before attending UCLA where he earned a BA in Zoology. Tom furthered his education at UCLA Medical School graduating in 1962 with a Doctor of Medicine degree. He interned at Los Angeles County General Hospital and completed his general practice residency at Contra Costa County Hospital in Martinez, CA. 

Tom married Patricia Thomas in 1961. Their older son, Tim, was born in 1963 and their second son, Michael, was born in 1967. In 1964, Tom accepted a partnership in Sun Prairie, WI where he practiced Family Medicine until 1966 when he was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam Conflict. While stationed in Manchester, NH, Tom was charged with directing the Medical Department of Armed Forces Entry and Examination Station. During the subsequent two years, Tom was responsible for completing some 14,000 recruit physical examinations. It was during this assignment, that Tom’s true nature was displayed and his attention to detail was evident. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his achievement in not passing any recruit who later had to be discharged for medical reasons. Upon discharge from the Army, 

Tom and his family moved to Orange County, California where he joined the Southern California Permanente Group in 1968. Dr. McLaughlin was one of the original physicians to test and qualify for board certification in the new specialty of Family Practice. In 1979 Tom was appointed Chief of Family Medicine for Orange County for Kaiser Permanente. He served in that capacity until 1995. During that time, he helped design and staff twelve clinics throughout Orange County and hired some 40 doctors. Tom retired in 2007 after nearly 40 years of service. In 1993 Tom married Barbara Hale Campbell. 

After retirement they moved to Fairhope, AL in 2008. Tom was a member of the Point Clear Rotary Club and served as liaison and also as a volunteer student tutor at the Fairhope-Point Clear Rotary Youth Club. He was also a member of the Planning Committee for the World Affairs Roundtable at the Fairhope Library, and a member of Ancient Aviators. Tom was an ardent fan of UCLA football as well as the Green Bay Packers.

 He shared his passion for fishing, photography and travel with family and friends, and Tom loved discussing historical events and world affairs with his grandkids. Tom is survived by his wife, Barbara, his two sons Tim (Dawn) of Gulf Breeze, Fl and Mike (Laura) of Austin, TX; Grandchildren Ian, Allison, Lauren, and Annie, Nate; his former wife, Patricia, sister, Maureen, two nephews, Vance (Emma), Trevor (Jennifer), sister in law, Pamela Gresham, and a devoted step-family including sons, Don (Gerri), Bob ( Rachel) Campbell, 9 step-grandchildren along with many dear colleagues and friends. 

A private military burial will be held on March 8th, 2024, at the Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola Florida.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Fairhope-Point Clear Rotary Youth Club Attn: Director 19128 Young Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Please Note “In Memory of Tom McLaughlin” on the check or payment.

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