Obituary of Bruce LaRocque

Obituary of Bruce Rv LaRocque

September 14, 1951 – May 27, 2023

Bruce passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 27, 2023.

Born in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan he lived in northern Saskatchewan for a time and then moved with his family to Lloydminster. In his early teens his family moved to Vermilion where he graduated high school. He chose to work in the oil patch and then manufacturing fiberglass canoes until deciding to attend NAIT. He graduated with an Accounting and Finance diploma in 1977.

That same year, Bruce married Lori, and started work with Gitzel Krejci and Company. He never strayed from both these commitments, even working part time through his last tax season this year.

In 1978 Bruce and Lori started a family with Meille, followed by Logan, Cody and Torri. He was a devoted husband and awesome dad. As his children became interested in badminton, he became involved as a coach. When his children were grown he continued to coach and mentor and developed lifelong relationships with some of his players. James and John Langford were his “sons of other parents”, whom he respected and supported.

Not only an avid badminton player and coach, he became an official of the sport and umpired his last game in early May at High School Provincials. He served on the provincial Badminton Assn. Board, as a member and as President for many years. He also restrung racquets in his home and promoted the sport, particularly the grassroots in Alberta, to keep the sport alive there.

Of course, with the arrival of grandchildren, Bruce’s role simply expanded to include all of them. He loved watching them grow and develop into unique and promising individuals. He played board games and cards, attended as many sporting events as possible, and went fishing as often as he could with them. Just being around them was enough and teaching them skills a bonus. He was always up for a fishing trip!

Bruce suffered from several serious medical issues since his mid-forties but always faced adversity with such a positive attitude and sometimes sheer grit. He had a very strong faith and relied on it to see him through many challenging times.  He was a member of the Christ King Parish, served on the Finance committee for many years, was a life member of the Knights of Columbus, and served in several positions within the inner workings of the church.

Bruce was an avid golfer all his adult life. The month prior to his passing, he felt well enough to golf daily with his buddies at the local course and with his closest friends. He loved betting, win or lose, whatever the stakes or odds.

Bruce leaves to mourn his loss: his wife, Lori; his children: Meille (Colin), Logan (Michelle), Cody (Lisa), Torri; his 9 grandchildren: Rileigh, Annabelle, Braewyn, Lien, Bracken, Exyn, Levi, Owen and Greyson; sisters: Donalda (Lex), Gloria (Ken), Lyn (Mike), Toni, Delores (Lawrence), Michelle, sister-in-law Jocelyn; Lori’s brothers, sisters and brother-in-law, Andrew; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and co-workers.

Bruce was pre-deceased by: his parents, Hazel and “Scotty” LaRocque; parents-in-law Fred and Irma Lonsdale; brother Lorne (Butch); brothers-in-law Gordon Foster, Rod Lonsdale, Kern Lonsdale; sister-in-law Tracey Lonsdale-Harris.

Special thanks to Stettler Ambulance paramedics, Stettler Fire, and Stettler RCMP for their prompt and professional attendance. And to Tracy and Rod Schulze and Terrie and Rick Tarasiuk for your love and support, it is much appreciated and will never be forgotten.

FUNERAL MASS

Christ-King Catholic Church, Stettler, Alberta

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

at 1:00 P.M.

Memorial Donations in Bruce’s name may be made to KidSport, Stettler Library, Canadian Cancer Society or to the Badminton Alberta (Grass Roots).