Richard L. Lavoie

Richard L. LaVoie was born in 1944 in Detroit, MI to parents, Harold and Stella LaVoie. As a child, he proved himself an apt learner. He attended Cass Technical High School in Detroit in the chem/bio department. Upon graduating in 1961 he earned the Double Regents Scholarship and Evan’s Scholarship to the University of Michigan. He achieved a degree in chemistry and went onto graduate studies in business at Eastern Michigan University. While at U of M he met and married his wife, Cheryl (Lucht) in 1966. They were both active in the Howell Jaycees, a community service and leadership training organization where he earned a Key award and held several offices including president. While residing in Howell, Rich and Cheryl were blessed with their only child, Eric.

From Howell, he went on to a position in a Chicago area company where he formulated a plastic compound and lead the construction of a plant to manufacture it. From there he enjoyed his career as General Manager of Gelok International in Dunbridge, OH and also enjoyed traveling to seal deals and oversee distribution of their product worldwide. He retired in 2013.

Recently Rich has been active in reconnecting with fellow high school alums and organizing Cass Tech reunions. Rich loved music, especially rock from the ‘50’s on, dancing, and lottery tickets. He especially enjoyed talking with all he met, expressing his great joy of life. He will surely be missed by many.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl and his son, Eric (Christy) and their children, Aidan and Ethan of Freeland, MI; and his brother, James (Rosemary) of Dexter, MI. Visitation will be Sunday, April 16, 2023, in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave., Toledo, OH 43623 (west of Corey Rd.) from 9:30 am until 11:00 am when together, we will share Richard’s life story. Condolences may be shared with the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Rich’s memory to the Evan’s Scholarship Foundation, please visit www.wgaesf.org.