Rod McLaughlin

Rodney J. McLaughlin passed away Saturday, February 12, 2022, at the age of 71. Rod was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Leona and Jim McLaughlin on March 22, 1950. He moved from Otsego to Eaton Rapids with his parents in 1955.
Rod attended Eaton Rapids Public Schools and graduated with the Class of 1968. He was an avid golfer, holding the record on the golf team at Eaton Rapids High School for many years. He also participated in amateur tournaments collecting numerous trophies, including the Duck Lake Country Club Championship. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Michigan State University, and was an avid Spartan fan and supporter all his life. GO GREEN!
Rod briefly lived and worked in Florida, and then spent several years in the foothills of Sedalia, Colorado. He was a “mountain man” living in his cabin – one of the cabin walls was the actual stone mountainside…where the water was so pure he could drink right from the stream. He was a deep appreciator of nature and was “in his element” and always had a desire to return. He moved back to Eaton Rapids to help with the family business and then later became the owner/publisher of the Flashes Shopper’s Guide & News until its sale in 2014. He served on the Board of the Eaton Rapids Chamber of Commerce and remained a member for many years. He enjoyed camping, hiking, fishing and golfing.
Rod is survived by his best friend and loving life partner Lynn Tinkham and her 4 children: Tom (Dani) Faust; Matt (Tawni) Faust; Kurt (Denise) Faust; Rebecca (Ryan) Perry and was “Grandpa Rock” to their 8 grandchildren. Also surviving are his mother, Leona McLaughlin; sisters: Marcia McLaughlin; Michele (Lee) Gillett, Kathleen (Ron) Savage; Shari (Dan) Babbitt; many nieces and nephews, several great nieces and nephews, as well as aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jim McLaughlin.
A family celebration will take place at a later date. Donations can be made to the Craig Cartwright Memorial Fund, or to MSU in memory of Rod McLaughlin. Arrangements by Skinner Funeral Home, to share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
“High aloft in the cool mountain air, where peace is the rule only eagles dare.” -Rod