Obituary of Roger LaRochelle

Roger Romeo LaRochelle, a proud French Canadian who served his country as a medic during WW II, died peacefully in his sleep from natural causes on May 4, 2020, just shy of his 98th birthday. <br/> <br/>Roger was born in Windsor, Ontario on May 19, 1922, the eldest son of nine children, he saw himself as the family mediator. He joined the Canadian Army in December 1942 and was stationed in Northern Africa and Italy. Being a fluent speaker of French made him a valuable asset to his corps. Upon returning home, he trained as an accountant and business manager, working thirty years of his career as an estimator and office manager with Ebbinghaus Electric, Ltd. In 1949, he married the love of his life, Monica Robitaille and settled in Windsor where they raised their daughter, Patricia, and had 66 wonderful years together. Weekly, he and Monica would cross over to Detroit to find the best shopping bargains, then stop at a Knights of Columbus for a shot and a beer. Roger was proud to be an honourary life member of the Knights of Columbus both third and fourth degrees. He belonged to Windsor Council 1453, serving in many executive positions and also served as Faithful Navigator of the fourth degree Dean Wagner Assembly 0862 in 1965.<br/> <br/>In his retirement, Roger was most fond of his role as Pipi. He cherished his time with his grandson Jesse; playing endless roller hockey in the driveway, badminton in the backyard, and plenty of euchre. The last six years his days were also brightened by the frequent visits from his great granddaughter, Cece. Roger was a charming and dapper gentleman, who kept his own counsel. He enjoyed starting a conversation with anyone and was quick to offer a drink in hospitality. His independent spirit kept him mowing his large lawn until he was 94 and driving until he was 96. <br/> <br/>Roger is predeceased by his wife Monica, 2015. His daughter Patricia, 2008, and his siblings. He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Kristine Sprague (Claudia Osborn), his grandson, Jesse (Anne Kline) LaRochelle, his great granddaughter Cecilia, sister-in-law, Sr. Bernadette Robitaille, brother-in-law Gordon (Martha) Robitaille, Nephew James Farrand, Niece Angela Sykes.<br/><br/>Funeral Visitation by appointment Friday, May 8th Windsor Chapel Central, Please call 519-253-7234 to confirm a time before 4pm Thursday, 1700 Tecumseh Rd. E.<br/>Interment to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery.<br/><br/>The Bereavement Authority of Ontario has instituted the following directive: "The new maximum number of people who can be at a funeral home at one time (not including staff) is 10 or fewer. This pertains to the entire funeral home." <br/>Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared at www.windsorchapel.com