Frank and I were both hired at the same time, 1961, in the English Department of LACC. He was always quietly proud of his UCLA PhD, but never ostentatious. I think he was always a bit  underwhelmed with his position, but he performed with dignity and intelligence. I believe  his students were lucky to have him as heir professor.. I feel fortunate to have known  him for such a long time.' I hope his last days were not painful. I did not really know Jane, his wife  I do know her passing was a terrible blow. I miss Frank all the time.
Sam Eisenstein 

On my recent visit to the Riverside National Cemetery, I was surprised to learn that my godfather, Frank LaFerriere, had passed away in April.  While I am stunned and sad, I'm content with the knowledge that he has joined Jane and my parents, Tom and Gloria McKimmey, and they're all laughing and enjoying gin and tonics together.  My father met Frank (late 1950's??) when they were both looking for work during the summer in between academic years; he and my mother introduced Jane and Frank.   They were both so much a part of our lives growing up in Los Angeles and later in the San Fernando Valley--we celebrated every Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, plus all those Book Club meetings, in our home or in theirs, talking and playing the piano.  My sisters, Maggie and Teresa, and I were Frank's "tender bartenders." One of my fondest memories involves the many Christmas Eves when my father drove the three of us around to deliver gifts, our final stop always at the LaFerrieres' home where we were on our best behavior.  I loved the paintings, the butterfly teacups, and the grand piano, but most of all, I loved the conversation that forced us to keep up and contribute.  Frank introduced us to  philosophy and socialism, Thomas Merton and Dorothy Day.  As my sister Maggie recalled here, neither he nor Jane ever talked down to us.  We wandered his "philosopher's trail" at their home in Woodland Hills,  we searched for Shangri-La while hiking, we worked out the bugs  in Jane's Yosemite board game.  Though we'd lost touch since Jane died, Jane and Frank are always in my thoughts and prayers especially when my husband plays the piano, a gift from both of them. Unfortunately, all my photos are in storage, but I will never forget the joy my dear godparents gave me.  May they both rest in peace.

Whenever Frank and Jane visited my childhood home, they brought magic with them — the magic of music, intelligent and witty conversation, and most importantly their wonderful company.  They enriched my life beyond measure, and I treasure my precious memories of them. I take comfort in my belief that they are together again, traveling to distant lands. I love and miss you both, dear Jane and Frank. 

Frank and his late wife Jane were my parents' best friends for decades. We had no family living nearby, so we spent many holidays with them. Jane and Frank did not have children themselves, so they lavished attention on me and my sisters, teaching us to fish, engaging us in intellectual conversations, and applauding our artistic performances. They gave us wonderful gifts that brought joy to our lives - puppets from their European travels and our very own piano. We all learned to play, but never as well as Jane. She would play carols on that piano once we all finished Christmas dinner, and Frank would dutifully turn the sheet music for her while we sang. They were devoted to each other, and I loved them both.  I had not seen Frank for many years, but I always appreciated the fact that he talked to me and my sisters as though our intellects were equal to his. I hope he and Jane spend eternity doing what they loved, exploring Yosemite's Tuolomne Meadows or sailing down the Yangtze River. They will live in my happy memories forever. 

OBITUARIO

Frank V. LaFerriere

31 diciembre, 1925 – 18 abril, 2019

Gates, Kingsley & Gates Praiswater Mortuary

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