Donald McLaughlin

It is with a blend of sorrow and celebration that we remember the life of Donald W. McLaughlin, an extraordinary man whose passion for life was as vast as the mountains he conquered. A creative spirit, ambitious explorer, and adventurous soul, Donald was born on January 10, 1932 in Schenectady, NY. On October 14, 2026, at the age of 94, he embarked on his final adventure, leaving behind a world that was undeniably more vibrant for his presence.

In every aspect of his life, Donald exemplified courage and tenacity. As a professional Engineer specializing in failure analysis, he dedicated 28 years to MTI in Latham, NY. Outside his professional sphere, he was an unusual outdoorsman who climbed all of the highest peaks in most of the states in the country and several in Europe. He was a 46er many times over both in the summer and winter months. His adventurous spirit led him to be an ambitious sailor who built his own Sunfish and sailed it on Lake George and later become a private pilot at the age of 75. His love for the great outdoors was shared in his book, Oregon Odyssey, a testament to his two-week, 600-mile camping-bicycling journey across Oregon on his own bicycle. A man of faith, Donald also served as a mountaineering trip leader for his church family at the Unitarian Church in Schenectady, NY.

His life was enriched by the love of his family. He was a devoted husband to Nadine (Jones) McLaughlin, whom he married on November 14, 1993. He was a loving father to his sons, Doug McLaughlin of West Sayville, NY and Bruce (Debbie) McLaughlin of Richmondville, NY, and step-daughters Dellana (Van Barnett) Warren of West Virginia and L. Holly Harz of Malone, along with ten grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, R. Wayne and Ruth ( Tempest) McLaughlin, and his sister, Barbara Jenner.

To quote Henry David Thoreau, "All good things are wild and free," a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates Donald's adventurous spirit and boundless love for nature. His legacy will continue to inspire his family and friends to seek adventures, embrace creativity, and live life courageously.

The family has entrusted care and arrangements to Frary Funeral Home, 530 East Main Street, Malone, 518-483-5750. Services will be held privately and at the convenience of the family. A celebration of life will be held later.

We invite you to share your memories of Donald and upload photos to his memorial page at www.fraryfuneralhome.com. Let his life be a testament to the impact one person can make when they live with passion, courage, and a relentless spirit of adventure. We celebrate Donald McLaughlin — a creative pioneer, an ambitious explorer, a courageous adventurer — and a man who truly lived.

Memorial contributions can be made in Donald’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org/.