George, in our thoughts and in our hearts
by Bruce Bressack (May 16, 2010)

George McLaughlin made me feel special, from the first time I met him at Tupelo, until the last time I saw him (fittingly) at Tupelo. His warmth, humor, and generosity always shone through, even as he struggled and fought to get well again.

We had two things we always talked about; our love for great music, and how fortunate and blessed we were to be married to our wives. When he spoke of Laura, his face would lit up like a giant christmas tree. Their love was rare and special, and wondrous to behold.

I spent an afternoon with him, a few years ago, brainstorming some marketing and merchandising concepts. The more we brainstormed, the more excited and animated he became. His creative instincts, and his sense of pure joy and wonderment, were contagious. We laughed a lot that day. It’s a precious memory, preserved forever by an abstract photo we took that day.

George made me feel special, and from what I’ve learned, reading through the pages of remembrances, is that he made everyone feel special. And that is a sign of a great, caring and gentle man.

As one of his friends said, “I’m really going to miss that big teddy bear.” Well said. And if I could just add, “George, you are in our thoughts and in our hearts.” Watch over us buddy.