Robert Lynn McLachlan

Robert “Bob” L. McLachlan, 78, longtime resident of Marshfield, MA, passed away September 24th, 2024 at the West Roxbury VA Medical Center with family members at his side.

Robert was born to Charles and M. Lynn McLachlan and raised in Danbury Connecticut, where his family owned and operated the Geo. McLachlan and Son’s Hat Company.  He attended St. Josephs School in Danbury, Peekskill Military Academy, and Franklin Pierce College.

Robert served in the U.S. Navy as a Signalman petty officer in the Vietnam War on several ships including the USS Denver (LPD-9) and the USS Alamo (LSD-33).  He was a proud veteran who received the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal with 06 Bronze Stars.  After his service, Robert went to work for General Dynamics in Quincy, MA as a metal cutter and welder, building ships.  He continued to be involved with the VFW throughout his life.

Robert is survived by a loving family; children Heather McLachlan and Bryan Rae of Marshfield, Lynn McLachlan and Kurt Branstrom of Marshfield, and Robert and Amanda McLachlan of Duxbury; former wife Patricia Ahlstedt of Marshfield; four grandchildren John Rae of Marshfield and Colin, Abigail, and Julia McLachlan of Duxbury; brother Ian McLachlan and wife Cindy Swienton of Chester, CT; and sister Shaaron Guerra of Marietta, GA and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Charles McLachlan and M. Lynn (Hefferan), his dear younger sister, Karen, and beloved son, John Patrick.

Bob “brought life” to the community living center at the Brockton VA where he resided his remaining months.  Never short of a witty remark for the nursing staff and fellow vets, or thoughtful advice, just the same.  “Papa Bob” spent the last several years full of love and laughter enjoying visits with his grandson John and daughter Heather.  He also had the best of times with visits from his lifelong best friend from the Navy, Rick Goehring, reminiscing and listening to music in the garden at the Brockton VA.  To know Bob was to love him.

The McLachlan family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care that Bob’s palliative care team, nurses, and doctors provided in his final days.  The sincere support and advice received were a blessing to both Bob and the family.  A burial service with full military honors will be held Monday, October 7, 2024 at 1:15 PM at Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Ave, Buzzards Bay, MA 02542.  

Bob supported, loved, and respected the sacrifices and loyalty of our veterans and their devoted families.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Fisher House Foundation  Home - http://fisherhouse.org or Homes for our troops  https://www.hfotusa.org/- Building Homes, Rebuilding Lives! in Bob’s loving memory.