Leighton McLaughlin was a lawn bowler of note and a good friend to many.
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Sadly, Leighton lost a long battle with illness on September 1. His funeral service was held on September 7 at the Innes Gardens Memorial Park.
Good friend Bill Brookhouse delivered the eulogy and this is an edited version.
Leighton Wallis McLaughlin was born on May 24, 1951, the youngest son of Fred and Lily McLaughlin of Rowsells Road Pembrooke.
His parents, brothers Cyril and Arthur and sister Betty all predeceased. Leighton is survived by siblings Roy, Ivy and Vic.
Lee grew up on the family farm and received his early education at Pembrooke and later at Wauchope High School.
Not being that fond of school, they parted company and Lee was subsequently employed at Wellbond Ply Mill on the night shift. Then followed stints with Parquetry flooring, the post office and Telstra, where he worked for over 20 years.
Lee was forced into early retirement due to ill health. Born with one kidney, renal failure was to plague him for some time until he received a transplant.
But that did not stop his love of sports where he played rugby league at u18s level and with the Beechwood Shamrocks. He was a runner-up in 1972.
Not being the quickest of players on the paddock, Lee soon turned his attention to bowls and later darts.
His bowls record at Wauchope was exceptional, named club champion fours 2003, 2015; triples 1981, 2007, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015; pairs 2013; C grade singles 1983; pennant team flat winner, 1991 grade 5; 2003 grade 4; 2007 grade 6; 2008 grade 5 and 2012 grade 2.
His darts record was also strong with several major achievements including, winning two minor premierships, two competitions, two runners-up and achieving the coveted 180 several times.
Word has it that he was also a handy indoor and outdoor cricketer.
Aside from sport, Lee had a strong network of family and friends offering support in tough times. They include, Alan and Shirley Tisdale, Peter and Debbie White and David and Terese Carney. But there were also many others.
Lee had a final health battle to fight when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour two and a half years ago. It was unforgiving and took no prisoners.
He will be remembered for his loyalty, competitiveness and his acerbic wit. There will be numerous anecdotes swapped over a few sherbets including the time he had a wager with brother Vic to give up the grog for six months. It didn’t last long and Lee was caught out at another watering hole very soon after the wager.