Bill “Stinky Mac” George McLaughlin of Hemet, California, passed away peacefully in his home on May 24th, 2017 at the age of 84. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn Ellen (Crabtree)  McLaughlin, to whom he was married to for 62 years. He is also survived by his 5 children: Galyn (Craig) LaMaster of Oceanside, Robin Caserta of Buena Park, Margaret (Clinton) Hutson of Anaheim, Bill (Jennifer) McLaughlin of Buena Park, and Frank (Rebecca) McLaughlin of Fullerton. These five children gave Bill his wonderful 10 grandchildren: Rachel (Alika) McCauslin, Rebekah (Yoksan) Sitompul, Ruth LaMaster, Thomas Conklin, Mariah Conklin, Nicole Hutson, Dylan (Katie) McLaughlin, Ryan McLaughlin, Zoe McLaughlin, Erin McLaughin, and his adopted granddaughter, Page (Michael) Roman. Bill felt blessed to have loved on all 13 of his great-grandchildren and was excited about one more “bun in the oven”!

Bill was the descendant of John McLaughlin, an American Revolutionist who emigrated from Ireland in the 1730’s. His parents, George and Eulalia (Grissom) McLaughlin, his great-granddaughter Sarah Sitompul,  his adopted daughter Bekki Stewart, and his 5 brothers and 3 sisters preceded Bill McLaughlin in death.

Bill was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma in 1933. He loved to tell elaborate stories of his travels from Oklahoma to Tulare, after the Dust Bowl affected his family in 1935. Bill graduated from Tulare Union High School, then entered the United States Navy and served his country, for four years, including tours of duty on the USS Yorktown.

Bill married Marilyn Crabtree on November 11, 1955; their love was beautiful, and they would proudly announce they shared their anniversary with Disneyland. Together, they relocated their family to Garden Grove, California where he managed the Orange County district of ICEE.  His first success was that of selling ICEE to Knott’s Berry Farm.  He, along with the “chef” at Bar None, created the boysenberry flavor which was the requirement of landing this account. After managing ICEE, Bill moved on to run his own party rental business, “North County Services”. While Bill delivered, Marilyn became his favorite book-keeper. Together, they rented cooking, heating, and other party equipment. He spent a large portion of his time among the Hollywood elite, as he rented equipment to Dick Clark, Henry Winkler, the Playboy Mansion, and even flipped pancakes with Tom Hanks! You might also recognize his equipment from other dazzling events, such as movie premiers, red carpet galas, the Emmy Awards, private parties and the Olympics. Bill’s large heart also led him to providing equipment to FEMA while dealing with the aftermath of the Northridge earthquake.

Bill did everything he could for his family. He spent his life aiding the PTA during his children’s education, coaching for the local little league, and working endlessly at pancake breakfast fundraisers for his grandkids, and great-grandkids.  He organized the entire family to feed and fundraise for the Trabuco Hills Marching Band during his grandson’s time there.  Every Thanksgiving, you could find local marines from the Westminster Church of the Nazarene sleeping on his couch and having their first home cooked meal in months on his dining room table. Bill opened his home, arms, and heart to anyone who needed a friend. Many people called him “Dad” or “Grandpa”, whether or not they were a part of his vast family lineage. Bill would remove the shirt off his back to give it to someone in need. His Garden Grove home was a place where many folks found peace within and true hospitality.  Bill loved God, his wife, his extensive family, and his country.

Please join us in honoring Bill McLaughlin, an incredible man who will be missed by all. 

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