It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Daniel LaRocque on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016 at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, Man. with his family by his side.
Dan was born June 23, 1947 in Fort Frances, Ont. to Lawrence and Vera LaRocque.
Dan began his schooling with his mother as his teacher in a one-room schoolhouse in Flanders before moving to Fort Frances for the rest of his education. He later studied Electrical Technology in college in Sault Saint Marie.
Dan worked throughout Fort Frances and Winnipeg, first in mining and then the remainder of his career with electronics and appliance repair. Many will remember him working at Green’s Furniture for many years.
In 1980, Dan married Linda Huntley, although his name for her fondly was “Bug.” He had chosen a family complete and full with four boisterous young children, and loved the adventures they’d bring in.
Family life started in the east end of Fort Frances while the children were small. One of his goals was to build and operate a small farm, which he achieved—complete with turkeys, chickens, a horse, goats, and a few beef cattle in Devlin, Ont.
He loved farming . . . until it was time to butcher in the fall. He didn’t have the heart for butchering. The farm soon after became a country home to enjoy the peace and quiet.
He traded in country life for home back in Fort Frances, and traded his livestock for neighbourhood dog walks with his best friend, “Babe.” He also enjoyed many days on the golf course, and played various sports over the years from bowling to baseball.
Some of Dan’s fondest memories were time at the “Granny Shack” on Hopkins Bay. Fishing, waterskiing, eating rhubarb, and playing cards in the sun porch is where he’d spend as many summer days as possible.
Dan’s early interests were music, and he continued to be an avid sports and hockey fan his entire life, especially supporting local hockey.
He served on many community organizations, including ice-track car racing, Fun in the Sun, and local Bingo charities.
A dedicated husband, dad, and grandpa, Dan leaves to mourn his wife, Linda; children, Teressa Darrah (Luc Gagnon), Laurie Beadle (Darren Pollard), Bradley LaRocque (Cheryl), and Jason LaRocque.
Also surviving are his brother, Leonard (Betty-Ann) LaRocque and family, and sister, Vivian (Terry) Smith and family.
Dan was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence and Vera LaRocque; and in-laws, John Huntley and Gordon Huntley.
He will be sadly missed by all who knew his “corny” humour. Dan and his “Santa Claus” beard will be sadly missed by his grandchildren, DJ (Kayla), Meagan, James, Jonelle, Adrian, Payton, Chad, and Owen.
Friends are welcome to join the family for a luncheon on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016 from 1-3 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion in Fort Frances.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations to Fort Frances Community Chest are appreciated.
DANIEL KEITH LaROCQUE (‘BOONE’)
