“The world is diminished because he is gone. But it is still a better place because he was here.” (Anonymous)
Dr. David Bruce Laughlin, 75, passed away June 13, 2023, peacefully at home, with his daughters at his side. Bruce was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Upon completion of his medical degree at Queen’s University, Bruce opened a family medical practice in Brighton, Ontario. His wife, Marg worked by his side for their entire professional lives. He was deeply loved by his patients, always made house calls, and was a pillar in the hometown of Brighton. The family moved to Muscle Shoals in 1994, where he joined the Primary Care Center. He faithfully provided care to his patients at Shoals Hospital and Helen Keller Hospital until his retirement in 2008.
In his younger years, Bruce was an avid hockey, squash, and golf player. In his later years, he was always up for a game of cribbage, and loved to cheer on his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs with a dog on his lap.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, David and Gladys; his wife Margaret; and their youngest daughter, Susie.
He is survived by his daughters Nikki (Tom) Biniaris, Lisa (Alvaro) Segura, Kerry (Fred) Del Pizzo and Jamie (Matthew) Noles. He enjoyed his role of “Popsy” to grandchildren Nicolas, Andrea and Natalia Segura; Anastasia, Olivia and Emily Biniaris; Makenzie and Mia Noles; and Wyatt and Laney Del Pizzo.
He is fondly remembered by his lifelong friends and hunting buddies known as the “BOFI Boys.” Bruce was an only child, but they were his brothers. They will forever be bonded by the woods that connected them.
Out of respect for Bruce’s very private nature, coupled with the very recent loss of Marg, it was his desire that his surviving family not go through any formalities at this time. Therefore, there will be no formal service. Please remember him with a smile, and an act of kindness.
Memorial donations may be made to Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts in support of “The Laughlin Collection” or United Way of Northwest Alabama.
