Lynn McLaren

Lynn J. McLaren, 62, Auburn, WA and formerly of Grand Forks, ND, died Monday, May 30, at the Franciscan Hospice House in Tacoma WA surrounded by his family.   Lynn was born May 14, 1954 in Key West. FL, the son of Leo and Shirley (Ackerson) McLaren. He moved with his family to Fargo, ND and Detroit Lakes, MN before moving to Grand Forks. Lynn attended both Central and Red River High Schools in Grand Forks. He worked as a manager of the Grand Forks Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant for 12 years. He later was an insurance representative for Bankers Life and Casualty out of Fargo. Lynn moved to Washington State in 1987 where he continued to sell insurance while earning his electronics degree. He worked as a lead technician with Nintendo for 23 years, on March of 2011 at the age of 56 he retired from there due to having early onset Alzheimer's.   Lynn married Karen Hennessy on August 24th  1974 at St. Mary's church in Grand Forks ND. Lynn was a kind soul and gentle spirit and had a great sense of humor. He was very people oriented and always willing to help anyone in need. He had a very solid relationship with God and worshiped at Holy Spirit Parish in Kent WA where he enjoyed singing with the choir.  He had a big passion for music, especially the Beatles . His pride and  joy were his grandchildren.  Survivors include his wife Karen, Auburn, WA; daughter, Christy (Jeff) Dean, Milton, WA; grandchildren, Ashley, Tyler, Gracie, Savannah and Colton Dean; his parents, Leo and Shirley McLaren, Detroit Lakes, MN;  brothers, Mark (Cherie) McLaren, Grand Forks, Tim (Julie) McLaren, Superior, WI and Dan McLaren, Grand Forks; sister, Lonna (Jan) Skyberg, East Grand Forks, MN.     In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Alzheimer's association, or Hospice or a charity of your choice.   Funeral Services will be at St. Michael's church on Saturday June 11th at 11:00 am with a luncheon after the Interment at Calvary Cemetery of Grand Forks.