Dr. Gib McLaughlin, 87, passed away on September 26, 2016 at the family farm, Burnhead Grazings, after losing a long contest with cancer, albeit in overtime, and using parts of Gib’s playbook. 

He was grateful to have lived in a country where, with huge help from the GI Bill, he could earn his way through dental school at the University of Pittsburgh and graduated debt free! It was during his attending the University of PITT that he met Emmy Lou Denmead (A fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, brother’s sister). They were married while Gib was completing his DMD degree.

Following graduation, Em & Gib moved to Indiana, with their daughter Jan, to begin his practice (They were always thankful for the cordial way they were welcomed to the community, despite the fact that they didn’t know anyone). His area of prime interest reconstructive dentistry. After a few years Gib, along with a small cadre of colleagues, were observing the relationship between proper dental procedures and temporomandibular disfunction. In 80% of cases the most common symptoms of TMD i.e.: head pain & tinnitus were alleviated when the TMD was treated effectively. On mental reconstruction & TMD, thru the years Gib developed an international reputation and was asked to present his views in such “far away” venues as the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, King’s College, London and the Soviet Institute of Neurology, Moscow, among others.

Gib also taught post graduate courses at PITT & represented the dental school by teaching similar courses thru out the Northeast.

He retired from his dental practice, after 31 years, in 1987, and moved on to be a full time shepherd with primary interests in Scottish Black Face sheep and especially Border Collies. He purchased most of his dogs from Scottish hill herds and their working dogs during 13 visits to Scotland. Border collies had a special place in Gib’s heart. He described his association with them as, “A comradeship that transcends understanding.” also as “A secret society under stood only by those who have a working relationship with collies.” and “The dogs knew more about sheep than I did.”

Gib gave “Working sheep dog demonstrations” by the hundreds over a span of 48 years. From Vermont to the Carolinas; from the Eastern Shore to Kentucky, and one year showed before more than one million people. He never tired of working his “wee dugs”.

Gib was a member of the Allied Club, was a Rotarian, a Shriner, and a 2nd Lt. (Army). He was a published author of “modest proportions”.

Continuing with their lives are: Aunt Omi Schaffer, Alexandria, VA, Aunt Beverly Schmizzi Apollo, PA, a sister Cheryl Manns, BeLair, MD, two daughters: Jan McLaughlin, Passaic, NJ, and Moire McLaughlin Bridges and husband Randy, Indiana, PA, a son Blair McLaughlin and a grand daughter, Emmy Lee McLaughlin, Ernest, PA.

Gib’s passing was preceded by: His parents, Dr. Ray and Laverne Wilson and Frank and Helen McLaughlin, an Aunt “DoDo” Dorothy Donahue, Uncle John McLaughlin, a step brother Dick Wilson & wife Marilyn, Hershey, PA, Dr. Bill Wilson and wife Marylou, Butler, PA, His beautiful wife Emmy Lou, twin infant sons and an infant son Ian.

At his request there will be no visitation but a wake will be held to celebrate the lives of Gib & Emmy at Burnhead Grazings Barn at 6:00 pm, October 15th.

Please make generous donations to the VNA, 850 Hospital Road, Indiana, PA or Lifeway Pregnancy Center, 1176 Grant Street, Indiana, PA, instead of flowers. A special thanks goes out to VNA and all the wonderful caregivers that helped his family give him dignity thru death. 

 Service Information