Wesley Boyd McLaughlin

Wesley Boyd McLaughlin of Columbia died unexpectedly on July 11, 2024, at the age of 59. Wes was a builder who held the distinction of building his first custom home at the age of 19. McLaughlin Builders went on to construct or remodel hundreds of homes in the area for over 40 years. He helped countless families and multiple generations with their home projects.

 Wes built an amazing life with his wife of 31 years, Tracy (Breneman) McLaughlin. They spent years enjoying hobbies like snowmobiling, boating, motorcycling, and traveling. They took on every joy and tragedy of life together as a unit. You would never see one without the other. They grieved the loss of their son Tyler Boyd in 1997. Together, Wes and Tracy raised their daughter Hope Byers. Wes and Hope were thick as thieves and he adored her. Recently, they enjoyed becoming grandparents to her daughter, Maeve Hohenwarter, and he was christened Pop Pop.

 Wes was born January 19, 1965, and was the youngest child of Kenneth and June McLaughlin of Millersville, Pa. In his youth, he was always on wheels. His three siblings, Gail Bowden, Diane Zimmerman, and Ken McLaughlin remember fondly his tricycle escapades and later his dirt bike riding through the University grounds. Wes and his family spent countless weekends together at their cabin in Michaux State Forest. After his father's passing in 2011, he lovingly remodeled the cabin.

 Wes cared for and loved the cabin throughout his life. There he truly relaxed. He went hunting, hiking, and swimming. He grilled and cooked. He split wood and built fires. His family will cherish those memories forever.

 Wes will be remembered as one of the last of the good guys. You could trust his word and handshake. His friends could depend on him, always. No doubt.

 A celebration of life will be held at Millersville VFW on Saturday, August 17th between 1 PM and 5 PM. Family and friends are welcome to drop in and share a memory and a toast. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Wes can be sent to Friends of Pine Grove Furnace State Park or Friends of Michaux State Forest through the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation online at: https://paparksandforests.org/friends-groups/donate-to-a-chapter/