DUANE E. McLAUGHLIN

Duane E. McLaughlin, 67, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2001 in Arlington, Texas.

Duane was born June 24, 1934 in Rock Island, Ill. where he lived all his life before moving to Arlington in 1993. He was employed for 35 years as a pipe-fitter and welder with the Rock Island Plumbers and Pipe-fitters Local #25. He obtained his AWS Welding Inspector Certification through the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology. In 1994, Duane opened McLaughlin Consulting where he provided training, consulting and service to his many clients in the Dallas Fort Worth area. He was a member and technical advisor for the North Central Texas American Welding Society and often taught welding classes at Tarrant County College over the past 2 years.

In his youth, Duane was a dedicated and acclaimed speed skater for the all around Mid-West winning numerous silver skate awards, and trophies. He was involved in the Amateur Athletic Union offering his expertise in speed skating, and was asked to train speed skaters at the University of Illinois. He served in the reserves for 17 years for the Navy " Seabees."

Duane enjoyed all types of music and loved to sing at church and for his many friends. He was a loving husband, father, and friend to many who will deeply miss and always love him for the spark he brought into their lives. Duane was preceded in death by his parents, James and Margaret McLaughlin.

Survivors include his loving wife of 43 years, Florence McLaughlin; son, Shane McLaughlin of Arlington; brother, Clifford McLaughlin of Rock Island, Ill.; sister, Joyce Schmidt of Quincy, Ill.

Published in the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram on 11/4/2001

Editorial note: Duane once sent us the following comment:

I enjoy your publication having attended Hobart many times. I have taught with Hobart people at Purdue and Michigan. Always good to keep in touch with the greatest welding school in the world!

We will miss Duane's support and dedication.