Lamond Kenneth Laughlin, 90 years young, passed away peacefully at home with daughter, Virginia, by his side. Lamond, son of Cecil and Louise Laughlin came into this world October 14, 1922 and departed February 28, 2013.
He attended Mountain View Academy in California, joined the U.S. Navy January 1942 and married his high school sweetheart Betty that same year.
While in service for his country he was stationed at Pearl Harbor Naval Hospital, the US Navy Mobile Hospital and aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Intrepid in the South Pacific.
Lamond was one of the few pharmacists mate with the Navy to wear “wings” which he merited for his part in the air evacuation of the wounded at Tarawa and Eniwetok and other battles in and around the Marshall Islands.
After completing his duties, he and Betty built their home and resided in Menlo Park, Ca. It was there he began his career as a painting contractor. They relocated to Tahoe City, Ca. in the late 50s and then again to Grass Valley, Ca. in 1967, building their dream home and retiring.
July 2003 brought them to San Juan Island, Wa. enabling them to be closer to their daughter and son-in-law. Betty passed December 31st of that year.
Lamond remained on the island residing with his family. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and faithfully attended the Senior Center where he was know for his endless supply of See’s candy.
Being a medic corpsman in the Navy Lamond received respect from the U.S. Marines which in turn allowed him to be an invited guest at the annual Marine Corps birthday dinner. He could always be seen sporting one of his many hats and holding onto his Maori cane.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, and two great grandsons. He leaves behind his daughter Virginia Widger and her husband Les, who was always his true friend and companion. His other daughter Marlena Antrim resides in Colorado. He is also survived by 3 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, a niece and her family.
Included in the many friends he leaves are caregivers Stacy and Jennifer, who along with Katherine of Hospice, showed him compassion, love and dignity, allowing him to complete his journey home with grace and a peaceful heart and soul. His smile, humor and wit will be forever missed.
A military honor guard service, held in Lamond’s honor, will be on March 23, 2013 at 2 pm in the American Legion of Friday Harbor. His friend, Retired Army Chaplain Wayne Stiles will attend.
A private scattering of ashes for both Lamond and Betty will follow. It would be an honor for all who knew him to attend.
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