In Memory of

Russell

Edward

Laporte

Obituary for Russell Edward Laporte

LAPORTE – Russell Edward
7 April 1949 – 16 January 2023
Passed away peacefully at his home with family by his side, on Monday 16 January 2023. We watched him kick cancer every day since diagnosed, as he chose to attack it with blind optimism and he continued to move forward with brave determination, as it was the only thing he knew how to do! His passing ends a long and valiant battle.
Russ will be fondly remembered with love and gratitude by his wife and soulmate of 36 years, Anne Marie (née Prieur). Proud dad and grandpa, he will be dearly missed by his children Lise of Sarnia (Jason Morningstar), Chrissy of Cambridge (Steve Bayley) and Peter Wilson of Wasaga Beach (Tanya Lawrence). Cherished grandfather to Jett and the late Jesse (2019) Morningstar, Tyler and Peyton Bayley, Maddison, Grayson, and Elijah “Eli” Wilson.
Born on 7 April 1949, he was the eldest of three siblings and survived by his sisters, Beverley Laporte of Hamilton, and Joan (Rick Mowat) of Dunnville. Remembered also by his in-laws – Tom Prieur (June), Monique (Bryan Jackson) Jeannine Robidoux (the late Marc Suurd), Evangeline (John Lachance) Leo Prieur (Marilyn Creede), the late Roger Prieur, Rita (the late Jeff Sorrell), Cathy (Tom Osborne), Larry Prieur (Joan) and Paulette (Gerry Pare). Predeceased by his parents Leo Laporte (1970) and Theresa “Terry” Laporte (2013) of Dunnville. He will also be remembered by many nieces, nephews, great- nieces and nephews, cousins, and his many friends.
Russ will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a gentleman, loving, kind and caring, had a great sense of humour and was quick to crack a joke! Russ was a master at home renovations – he was Mr. Fix and would tackle any job, could fix most anything and had the knowledge, confidence and tools do so. As well as helping many of his family and friends, he patiently passed on this knowledge to anyone who wanted to learn!
Russ had a 35-year career, starting at the Heavy Water Plant, working as a Shift Operator, and retiring in 2005, as Director of Emergency Response at Bruce Power. He was passionate about fishing, canoeing, boating, sailing, downhill skiing, and golfing and enjoyed these throughout his life. He enjoyed playing volleyball and running in his earlier years. Russ volunteered his time building sets for plays at the Roxy Theatre in Owen Sound. He also loved to travel. An avid reader, Russ could not have enough books to read! He loved the Saxophone and learned to play it. He enjoyed all types of music – jazz, blues, folk, and new country, but what Russ especially loved was Rock and Roll and was never one to shy away from the dance floor! He could cut a rug and loved to do so! Russ enjoyed cooking and many of us certainly enjoyed the dishes he created. He moved through the world with patience, kindness and compassion, determination and strength, vivacity, and humour. He will be missed by those who were so close to him and loved him so much!
Thank you to his Oncology teams in London, his doctors in Owen Sound and Stayner, as well as all the members of the North Simcoe Muskoka Home and Community Care Network. He could not have survived this journey without their help, support, and loving care!
Helping others was a fundamental cause for Russ and as such in death, he has helped others through his donation to Trillium Gift of Life. As per Russ’s wishes, cremation has also taken place. If desired, donations in Russ’ memory may be made to the Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation or the General and Marine Hospital Foundation.
A Celebration of Life will take place from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, 15 April 2023, at the Wasaga Beach United Church Hall located at 380 Zoo Park Rd, Wasaga Beach.