Doug "Digs" McLaughlin

Tall and lean Eloquent, brilliant, harsh, opinionated, hugely compassionate, smart assed, flip, athletic, pensive. A man who loved people, hated people, bewildered by them yet had a deep understanding of them. Loved until it hurt, distanced himself, held grudges, forgave completely. Life was slowly sucked out of him, yet his mind was active, challenged to solve every puzzle, fight every wrong; beat the system, figure it out so it could be beaten, changed. Offended at a cellular level by stupidity, ignorance, hate, complacency. Competitive. Lover of music, words, and musical words. Always striving to find meaning, express meaning, make meaning. Shadowed by self doubt, on top of the world with confidence. Analyzed himself, sports stats, others, nature, the world and all its horrible, fascinating, beauteous glory. Candid, cut you to the bone blunt, hilarious.

The man could dance. He was a writer, a poet. His words had meaning and depth. He could explain the simplest things in profound ways, the most elusive things with the simplest words. His heart was at times trapped in his head, other times on his sleeve.

He was predeceased by his Dad, Jim McLaughlin and his cousin and comrade in arms Andy “Loeffey” Loeffler. He is survived by his great loves Ashley Marshall and little Ruby Moon; mother Jan McLaughlin; sisters Alyson and Jessie McLaughlin; nephew Elijah “Blake” Knox; nieces Lily and Ivy and many aunts, cousins and fabulous friends.

Services to be held at the UU Church at 524 Allen Ave Portland on Saturday November 18th 4:30-8 pm In lieu of flowers, just send love, love, love.