Donald John LaFontaine Sr.

He was born in Peterborough on December 10, 1936, the son of Zephyr and Noella (Desrosiers) LaFontaine. A 1954 graduate of Conval Regional High School, he studied engineering at the University of New Hampshire before enlisting in the United States Navy. Don was Honorably Discharged after five years, including service as a Radar Operator on the USS Columbus. Although he had the opportunity to attend the US Naval Academy, he returned to Keene to build his life.

On May 27th, 1961, he married Joyce A. Shepard. They spent over 55 happy years together, creating a lifetime of memories that will sustain her until they meet again. During their retirement they enjoyed long walks, eating at their favorite restaurants and taking care of their beloved grandchildren. She devoted her life to him during his decline over the past year.

Don had a rewarding career at MPB, Bean Construction and Economy Plumbing and Heating, where he served as a Vice President. He was Economy’s site manager for landmark projects including the Dartmouth Hitchcock Hospital in Lebanon. As project manager for the new residence halls at UNH, he was able to make surprise visits to his daughter – a fact that she appreciated more with time. He loved the Keene community and prior to his retirement he was active in the Kiwanis Club and as a parishioner at St. James Episcopal Church, where he served as a Vestryman.

Voted Class Athlete, Don was a member of the track, baseball and basketball teams. He remained devoted to fitness throughout his life, playing for many years in men’s softball leagues. Known as ‘Marathon Don,’ he was a daily runner before it was cool. He loved golf, and his children spent many special times with him at Bretwood and the Country Club. A fierce competitor, Don brought the same spirit to miniature golf as he did to touch football. Over the years he coached many baseball teams, from his son’s Pee Wee League through the American Legion baseball team. The fact that both the Patriots and Navy won made his last weekend a good one. His greatest delight came from watching his son’s and grandchildren’s games; he rarely missed a game or event.

Don will be remembered as an exceptional husband, father and grandfather, whose greatest joy was the happiness of his family; as a spiritual man who was curious and inquisitive; as a veteran who took pride in his service; and for his earnest decency as he encouraged people, looked for their strengths and goodness, and asked for their best. As his son-in-law said, “He was such a good man, in an Atticus Finch way, but even more solid, loyal and supportive.”

Don is survived by his wife, Joyce; his daughter Lisa and her husband Matt Kayhoe of Washington, DC; his son Don Jr. and his wife Amy of West Chesterfield; his grandchildren: Johanna Elsemore and her husband Courtney Tate of Washington, DC; Nathaniel Kayhoe of Chicago; and Lucas, Patrick and Alicia LaFontaine of West Chesterfield; his first son-in-law, Stephen Elsemore, of California; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his sister, Theresa Young, and his brother, Clifford.

There will be no public calling hours or services. A celebration of his life will take place in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, he asked that donations be made in his memory to the Washington Humane Society at 7319 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20012, or www.washumane.org/tribute, where his daughter serves as CEO. As with both of his children he was very proud of her work, and the work of her team. Helping homeless and abused animals would mean the most to him.

Fletcher Funeral Home and Cremation Services, (www.fletcherfuneralhome.com) 33 Marlboro St, Keene has been entrusted with the arrangements.