Obituary
Ronald LaPlante, 61, died on August 20, 2004 in Waterville, Maine after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by his family. His courage, wit, and strength will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.
A native and life-long resident of Waterville, Maine, he was born on November 8, 1942, son of the late Ovila and Leone LaPlante.
He graduated from Waterville High School Class of 1961. He was a veteran of the US Air Force.
He retired from Central Maine Power Company after 36 years in various departments. In his last years at CMP he was in vegetation management. After his retirement, he began working part-time at Natanis Golf Course, where he was a long-time member.
For many years Ron volunteered his time as a coach and director of Waterville Youth Hockey and served Notre Dame Parish as council member, lector, and cantor as well as serving on the Seton Village board of directors.
Ron enjoyed golfing, bowling, and cribbage with his friends and also enjoyed announcing for many years at the Waterville High School football and hockey games. Most recently, Ron was quoted as saying, “if you can’t beat cancer, you can at least enjoy better quality of life,” which he did by fishing, boating, and visiting with his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jeanne (Fortin); two sons and daughters-in-law, Jeff and Dolores of Stow, MA and Dan and Amy of Framingham, MA; One brother, Brian and his wife Gale LaPlante, of Waterville; three sisters, Claudette and her husband Bill Strout of Waterville; Janice and her husband Dan LaPointe of Winslow, Maine, and Carol Falcone of Cumberland, RI; and many nieces and nephews. He will be remembered and loved as “Pop” by his six grandchildren, Garren, Cole, and Ben of Stow, MA and Megan, Jack, and Mia of Framingham, MA who brought great joy, love and laughter to his life.
A special thanks to his doctors, nurses, and friends, especially Dr. Hertler and Deb Bowden, whose unending care and support helped Ron and his family through this difficult journey.
A funeral mass will be held at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Waterville on Tuesday, August 24th at 10am. A private burial service will be held at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta, Maine at a later time. At the request of Ron, there will be no calling hours.
In lieu
of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory payable to:
MaineGeneral Medical Center F.B.O. Oncology services.
Checks can be mailed to MaineGeneral Medical Center,
c/o Philanthropy, Seton Campus,
30 Chase Avenue, Waterville, ME 04901.