Robert Gordon McLaughlin III

In Loving Memory of Robert Gordon McLaughlin
March 12, 1967 – May 23, 2025

“May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields. And, until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

Obituary

Robert Gordon McLaughlin, 58, of Cary North Carolina, originally from Denver Colorado, passed away on May 23 after a courageous battle with metastatic cancer. Rob was born on March 12, 1967 in Orange County, CA to Bob and Maggie McLaughlin. A bright and determined individual from a young age, he graduated from Cherry Creek High School in Colorado, where he was a standout member of the swim team, earning numerous accolades and setting records with his teammates. He went on to attend Saint John’s University in Minnesota and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Accounting from Arizona State University.
Upon graduation, Rob began his professional career as an auditor at The Phoenician in Arizona. His strong work ethic and keen financial acumen led him to Amkor Technology, where he steadily advanced over a decade to become Vice President of Finance and Business Management. Rob continued his career as Vice President of Finance at Centice before moving on to serve as CEO of XinRay Systems. Most recently, he channeled his entrepreneurial spirit into founding and operating RGIII Logistics at FEDEX and RGM Consulting at PRM Filtration.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Rob was an adventurer at heart and a passionate lover of the outdoors. He spent countless hours hiking, fishing, and trailblazing with friends and family. All the while creating a beautiful foundation of memories to be enjoyed, with his strong sense of humor and Canon camera. Rob’s ambition for conquering mountains led him to his most cherished achievements like climbing Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States. That expedition also took him through Death Valley and the majestic Sequoia National Park.
Rob's adventures extended far beyond mountain trails. He delighted in cross-country road trips with friends and family, exploring the coasts of California and Maine, and tracing his Irish heritage with his two beloved children on a memorable journey across Ireland, including visits to Dublin, Galway, and the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher.
Above all, Rob was a devoted father. His greatest joy and pride were his children, Mitchel and Megan, whom he supported unconditionally and loved deeply. He built a life rich in memories, laughter, and resilience—leaving behind a great legacy.
He is survived by his parents Bob and Maggie, his sisters Kathleen (Kohler) of Durango CO, Maribeth (Dan) of Portsmouth ME, and Dianne of Parker CO, and two children Mitchel and Megan of Cary NC, and his faithful dog Spike.
Rob’s vibrant spirit, unwavering love for his family, and his adventurous heart will be forever remembered by all who had the privilege to know him.
The McLaughlin family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many friends, colleagues, and caregivers of Transitions LifeCare hospice who offered support and kindness during Rob’s illness, and to the Ave Maria church in Colorado.
The funeral mass will be held July 18th at 2:00pm, all are welcome. In accordance with his wishes, Rob was cremated, and his ashes will be returned to nature in a ceremony at a place deeply meaningful to the family. 

Gallery

Memory wall

June 7, 2025

Rob brought the calm and interesting conversation, and we were so glad to see him in November and make memories. Other wonderful memories include the beach, ghost crabs and BIG fun in the waves. Love you Rob! Brian & Diana Waller

Brian & Diana

June 2, 2025

I knew that Rob was a great swimmer before everyone else did. When I was a very grown up 13 year old and Rob was a little 11 year old kid, we lived in Indonesia. We took a family vacation to Bali where Rob and I were playing around in the ocean. We got pulled out to sea in a rip tide and had to swim like crazy to get back to shore. I was so happy and impressed that he made it back to shore with me because I knew that I would not have the strength to go back out to get him. We had to walk what seemed like a mile back on the beach to find Mom and Dad because we had been pulled so far away. That kid could swim!

Maribeth McLaughlin

Funeral Service

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