AUGUSTA - ERIC RYAN McLAUGHLIN, age 44 died unexpectedly at his home on North Belfast Avenue January 14, 2025 of cardiac arrest. He was born August 14, 1980 near Ft. Dix, New Jersey. Eric was mostly raised in the Augusta area. He graduated from Cony High School June 13, 1999 becoming a fourth generation of his family to graduate from Cony. He studied Electrical Engineering at the University of Southern Maine for two years. He and his brother Adam built personal computers or private clients. Eric also did computer trouble shooting for local colleges and personal clients. Eric was an excellent, self taught, gourmet chef. He loved cooking for his mother, treating her to a wide range of tasty and unique meals weekly. He was a loving young man and would help anyone in need. He had a quiet since of humor and his snickery laugh was contagious. Eric's mother was by his side as he died telling her he was sorry as he knew he was not going to make it. He so loved his mom and took such protective care of her. His mother Jayne Locke McLaughlin is now left to grieve the loss of both her sons. Eric is also survived by his Aunt Jill (Eddie) Bohman of Kentucky, Aunt Debby (Bruce) Groves of Arizona, Great Uncle and Aunt Robert and Janice Locke of Massachusetts and several cousins. Eric was predeceased by his brother, Adam McLauglin (1972-2014), Grandfather Richard Locke (1928-2021). Eric had recently adopted a beautiful black kitten named Dexter who will miss Eric's love and the special meals he made him and their time together. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kennebec Valley Humane Society; allpaws.com. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta. Memories, condolences, photos, and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com.