Businessman, Philanthropist. A native of Oshawa, Ontario, he is best known as the founder of the McLaughlin Motor Car Company in 1907, the first major automobile manufacturer in Canada. He began working with his father at the family business of McLaughlin Carriage Works in 1887, and gradually with the help of Buick personality William C. Durant (he provided the engines), he produced the McLaughlin-Buick Model F. In 1910, he became the Director of General Motors, and then President of General Motors Canada after he sold his company in 1918. A noted thoroughbred racing enthusiast as well, he owned the Parkwood Stables at Windshields Farms. He also established the McLaughlin Foundation, which donated the McLaughlin Planetarium, and nearly $200 million to the Royal Ontario Museum. Known affectionately as ‘Colonel Sam,’ he was made an Honourary Colonel of the 11th Ontario Regiment. In 1967 he was made a Companion of the Order of Canada. His home in Oshawa, Ontario, is now a museum. He passed away at the age of 100. (bio by: K)  Family links:  Parents:  Robert McLaughlin (1836 – 1921)  Mary Smith McLaughlin (1843 – 1877)  Siblings:  John James McLaughlin (1865 – 1914)*  Mary Jane McLaughlin McCulloch (1867 – 1957)*  Robert Samuel McLaughlin (1871 – 1972)  Elizabeth Ann McLaughlin Owens (1874 – 1954)* *Calculated relationship