CLARENCE RUSSELL MCLAUGHLIN

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CLARENCE RUSSELL MCLAUGHLIN

Clarence Russell McLaughlin (Bumpa) left us on June 16, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 74. The last weeks of his life were filled by the presence of both of his girls and his beloved wife.

Clarence was humbled by the number of visitors he had during that time, including the love and presence of his grandkids and sons-in-law.

Clarence was born September 6, 1950, oldest son of Russell and Elsie McLaughlin. Clarence grew up in Onanole, and there were four more brothers to follow.

Clarence was raised in a busy household, where he was surrounded by a ton of cousins, brothers, friends, and what he said, was half of the community. There was never boredom, always mischief, and laughter. Dad also told us that no one ever went hungry.

Clarence attended school in Crawford Park, Onanole Elementary, and followed by Erickson Collegiate.

Clarence briefly worked for Parks Canada, and then made his way out west, returning back to Manitoba, after. He then began work as a Correctional Officer, in The Pas in 1975, until he relocated to Brandon in 1979. He was proud of his career and took it very seriously.

Due to a work-related incident in 1986, he was unable to finish his career as a CO. After he could no longer return to work, he struggled immensely with PTSD as he tried his best to battle his demons. However, he still lived a full and active life, as much as he could.

Clarence met his wife, Doreen, at a high school, dance, and charmed her off her feet. They dated for several years before they married in Sandy Lake, on November 1, 1980.

Together, their union produced two girls, Melissa and Michelle. They proudly raised them on their acreage with a beautiful yard, just outside of Brandon.

Their house and property are still home, and he never wanted to leave it. Clarence had a green thumb and could make literally anything grow, with just his love and attention. Clarence spent a good 10 hours a week cutting grass on his riding lawn mower. He enjoyed watching sports, hunting shows, and was an active news junkie.

Clarence took great pride and spending time at The Farm in Lake Audy. The Farm was his beloved hunting grounds and his most very favourite place to be. He spent many days and weeks there for over 30 years. He built wonderful friendships in the area that were all focused on hunting, fishing, and anything outdoors related.

Because of the endless amount of hours, he spent with a fishing rod in hand, he was able to produce 40+ Master Angler awards through the Manitoba Master Angler program and achieved his gold badge status.

Clarence‘s biggest pride and joy through all of his outdoor adventures, was the non-typical big buck that he obtained in 2007. It had a score of 232 3/8 gross and 216 3/8 NT. This earned him the title of Provincial Champion for Non-Typical White Tail Deer in accordance with the Manitoba Big Game Trophy Association. As a result of his huge achievement, he was featured in a five-page spread in the Big Buck Magazine.

Because of his hunting and fishing, along with the massive garden that he tended to, year after year, his family was always well fed.

In 2009 he became a “Bumpa” for the first time, a title he wore proudly. Avery came first, followed by Lucas in 2010. Next was Hadley in 2011, the only granddaughter, and to round out the crew, was Landon in 2013. This number worked out well, as there was no more room on his quad to fit them, which he often buzzed around the yard on, with all four in tow.

These four kids were the light of his life. He was a constant part of their everyday lives, spending time together while fishing, watching sports, reading stories, and just being present. When they were still small, often, the four kids would sit on his lap in his big chair, in the living room, as they all wiggled and giggled. He often said that watching these kids grow was the best thing about his life. Avery, Lucas, Hadley, and Landon, always knew the love and admiration that Bumpa had for all of them.

Left to mourn his loss is his wife, Doreen of 45 years, and his girls, Melissa (Larry) and Michelle (Bernie) and his four grandchildren. Also left behind are his four brothers, Brian, Harvey, Jack, and David as well as many family friends and relatives who will feel the loss of Clarence deeply.

Dad has left behind an empty chair at our table, and we will miss him always.

We love you, Dad.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Thank you to all of those who showered Clarence, with love, admiration, and great stories, over the years, and especially over the last few weeks.

Condolences: www.brockiedonovan.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 21, 2025