Obituary of Peter Pell McLaughlin

Peter McLaughlin died on April 18 in Santa Cruz, California, where he lived for 15 years. He was 54. A man of many talents, he excelled in sports, music, and poetry. Peter, who grew up in San Francisco, was a stand-out cross-country runner at Branson School and at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. After earning a teaching credential at Dominican University in San Rafael, he taught at Shannon Elementary School in Pinole and coached athletic teams at Branson and Mt. Madonna schools. Kids loved him. In Santa Cruz, Pete drew a large following to his poetry readings at bookstores and open-mic venues. Almost every day, he went to Westcliff and played songs on his trumpet, by himself and for people who came to hear him. Though primarily a runner, Pete also excelled at bicycle racing and swimming, and he especially enjoyed playing basketball. A beloved coach, he helped his students grow as people as well as athletes. Friends describe Pete as a brilliant and perceptive person with a remarkable talent for friendship. "He made me feel ten feet tall," said one. He had a wicked sense of humor accented with acerbic observations and on-the-mark impersonations. One of his best-known poems, "I Wish I Was Billy Collins," drew a humorous riposte from Billy Collins himself. His very favorite place was Julius Kahn Park in Pacific Heights, San Francisco, where he played pick-up basketball with his buddies. Pete is survived by his mother, Eve Pell; his two brothers, Daniel and John Riley McLaughlin; Daniel's wife Francine Miller and their children, Cade and Bryn ; his two half-sisters Grace and Gwen McLaughlin; his dear friend Ulrike Wagner and her son Adrian, and his former wife, Jennifer Panko; as well as a legion of devoted friends. Pete was charming, funny, charismatic and a true original who brought light into the world around him. His family and friends miss him terribly. A memorial service is scheduled in San Francisco in May. Donations in his memory may be sent to Oxfam America.