Laurence Charlie LaFontaine

Laurence (Larry) LaFontaine was born July 1, 1924, to Charlie and Hazel (Newman) LaFontaine on his grandparent’s farm in Olympia, Washington. After attending Olympia and California schools, Larry enlisted in the US Navy on December 16, 1941. He proudly served his country during World War II in a special branch of the Navy called the US Navy Armed Guard as a Navy Gunner on merchant ships.

A wonderful storyteller and proud veteran, Larry loved sharing stories of his time in the Navy. A favorite was when the German submarine U518 torpedoed his ship in the South Atlantic Ocean. Larry recalled seeing the torpedoes whizzing under his ship until one hit, causing it to sink. He was able to make it to shore only to be detained and held in a Brazilian jail until he was identified as a US citizen. Larry, an honorable and law-abiding citizen, always had an extra twinkle in his eye telling that part. Upon release, Larry worked relentlessly to get back to join his sailors and continued to fight in World War II.

The Navy brought Larry all over the world. He stood before the pyramids in Egypt and traded for fur in the islands of Kiska and Attu, Alaska. He landed in Brazil, Africa, New Zealand, the Philippines, New Guinea, countless South Pacific islands, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Tokyo, Japan.

He received many honors from the Navy, including a Combat Action Ribbon, a Good Conduct Ribbon, a World War II Victory Medal, an American Area Campaign Medal, an Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, a European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and a Philippine Liberation Medal.

After being discharged on December 22, 1945, Larry met Connie Wood of San Bernardino, California. They were married in February 1946 and had three sons: Larry Lee, who served in Vietnam on a river patrol boat; David, who served in the army in Korea; and Terry, who taught at Victor Valley College. All three boys graduated from San Bernardino High School. Larry is preceded in death by all three of his beloved sons and his wife, Connie, who passed away from cancer in 1979.

Larry worked for the San Bernardino Water Department from 1950 to 1953. He then joined the San Bernardino fire department, working until 1976, when he was disabled and retired. Larry loved being a firefighter and kept in touch with many of his colleagues for decades. After retiring, he moved back to his hometown of Olympia, Washington. Larry built a home in Olympia that became a place for family and friends to gather among the trees. Countless memories were made there, and it was Larry’s happy place. After seeing the world, he loved his home in Olympia the most.

After losing Connie, Larry met the woman with whom he would share the second half of his life. In 1982, he married Phyllis LaFontaine, and they joined their loving families. Phyllis brought so much warmth, love, and humor into the LaFontaine family.

In addition to Connie, Larry Lee, David, and Terry, Larry is preceded in death by his beautiful wife Phyllis, daughter Linda Bright, granddaughter Sally Jones, and grandson Shawn LaFontaine.

He leaves behind countless loved ones, including his daughter Susan "Susie" Cabigting and her husband Sean Cabigting, son David Saylor, grandson Bryan LaFontaine and his wife Keira LaFontaine, grandson Toby LaFontaine, grandson Colin Bright and his wife Veronica Ribeiro, granddaughter Alisha Doucette and her husband John Doucette, grandson Michael Jones and his wife Katy Jones, great-grandchildren Knox LaFontaine, Bronson LaFontaine, Teah LaFontaine, Kawika LaFontaine, Kai LaFontaine, Legend LaFontaine, Rossi LaFontaine, Lua Ribeiro Bright, Rayna Ribeiro Bright, Lillia Doucette, Oliver Doucette, and Piper Jones, along with his brothers Ralph and Bobby LaFontaine.

Larry is survived by a large and loving extended family, including Bobbi and Keith Quentin, Brad and Becky Rossman, Alvin Bright (son-in-law), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Larry wanted to leave everyone with this. “The best treasures a man can have in life are a wonderful family, good friends, and a fun job. I was very lucky I had all three!” Was so very happy to have it all. Larry.