Allen "Pete" Laughon's Obituary
Allen Ward Laughon – Pete, as he was known to family and friends – was a lifelong resident of San Diego, born here April 11, 1926. Pete was a fun-loving people person and “car guy”, a mix that made him countless friends and acquaintances. Together with their friends in the Horseless Carriage Club, Pete and his late wife Jackie enjoyed touring their antique cars around San Diego County for more than thirty years. Pete’s car interests also led to ownership of automobile dealerships specializing in Italian and British sports cars. Pete was a family man, having grown up in a tight-knit household where everyone did their part during those years of the Great Depression. He was courageous, not hesitating to serve his country in the Navy during WWII and years later bravely fighting through a long and arduous recovery after suffering life-threatening injuries from being struck by a car. Pete was steadfastly loyal to his family and friends. Those tight bonds sustained Pete and Jackie through tough times, especially during Pete’s recovery and Jackie’s subsequent battle with breast cancer. Pete was kind and forgiving, but also strong and determined, particularly when faced with adversity. After Jackie’s untimely death in 1984, he retired and devoted himself to his hobby of restoring old cars. Pete was always willing to lend a hand, know-how, tools and parts to help a fellow old car enthusiast. He was a wellspring of old car knowledge gained first-hand from decades of restoration and repair work, much of it done together with his brother and best friend, Howard. Loving family, terrific friends, passionate hobby and rewarding career – Pete had it all, a wonderful life.
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