Raymond L. "Geezer" McLaughlin died Monday in St. James Healthcare after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

      Ray was born on Jan. 25, 1939, in Butte to Jenny and Carl McLaughlin.   He attended Greeley grade school and graduated from Butte High in 1956.

    On June 20, 1959, he married Nancy Foley in Butte and together they established their home, reared four children and owned and operated Nancy's Pasty Shop.

      Ray worked for the Montana Power Co. for 41 years until he retired in 1998.   He was a passionate coach, umpire, baseball and softball player, fisherman, horseshoe thrower and sports fan.   Ray was the most valuable player of his American Legion Baseball Team, and later played in the Copper and Industrial League.   His fast pitch softball team will be inducted into the Butte Sports Hall of Fame in July.

      Ray was a very loving son, husband, father and papa who was loved by his family very much and will be mourned and missed always.

      Ray was preceded in death by his father, Carl McLaughlin, and brother, Bob McLaughlin.

      Surviving relatives include his loving wife of 42 years Nancy McLaughlin of Butte;   mother, Jenny McLaughlin;   sons and daughters-in-law, Ray and Cheryl McLaughlin, Glen and Penny McLaughlin and Scott and Shelly McLaughlin, all of Butte;   daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Kerry Pribnow of Billings;   eight grandchildren, Ryley and Matty McLaughlin, Cody and Tyler McLaughlin, Sidney, Sarah and Sadie McLaughlin and Carter Pribnow;   brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Tom and Kathie Foley, Leona and Darryl Hart, Mary Fran and Jerry Sullivan and Doris McLaughlin;   father-in-law Leo Foley;   and by numerous nieces and nephews.

      Relatives and friends may call after 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Ann's Catholic Church for visitations, with services following at 11 a.m.   Entombment will be in Mountain View Cemetery.

      Memorials;   Butte American Legion Baseball team or a charity of the donors choice.