Tag Archives: Mike LaRocque

Annoying Orange to Premiere on Cartoon Network Tonight!

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Click for more information about The Annoying Orange

I take some bit of pride in this, since I “found” Annoying Orange while searching for something fun to link in my post about the difference between apricot jam and marmalade.

This development is as good a reason as any to resume my posting here.  That, and the fact that I promised my very good friend, Ken Chapman that I would resume (but I promised to resume last week); and the fact that I will leave this Saturday on my mission trip to Guatemala with my church Salem Heights Church, and Reid Saunders Association; an excursion that I promised to faithfully chronicle on these pages.

I’m not sure, but I think Annoying Orange might be a cousin of Pure Orange, with whom I am well acquainted.   We all have annoying relatives, don’t we?  No, I will not name any in my family – I love them all far too much to do such a thing…and at any rate, even the MOST annoying of my relatives fall FAR short of AO.

My apologies for being remiss in this blog endeavor.  Not by way of excuse, but as partial explanation of my lapse, my previous posts about the passing of Ken Denio and Mike LaRocque took their toll on me emotionally.  The timing of their deaths so closely together was jarring to me. 

Ken Denio

One, Ken, was a fixture in my life, for all of my life.  A person I was never really prepared to have “leave”.  

 

 

 

 

Mike LaRocque

The other, Mike, was a new friend, but one I treasured.  A friendship I wanted to deepen and cultivate and develop into something as solid and substantial as my closest friendships. 

 

 

 

Something I have discovered while doing this blog is that a short hiatus too easily becomes a long departure, as in this case.  I regret my absence.

Announcement from Lynn, Joey and Jackie LaRocque – In Loving Memory

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Michael Joseph LaRocque (June 12, 1946 – February 19, 2012)

It is with our deepest sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Michael Joseph LaRocque, loving husband, father and friend. He will be greatly missed by all those that he met – a family man first, respected in the business world, pillar of the community, loyal and compassionate friend.

Mike passed ten days after being diagnosed with lung, bone and colon cancer at Kaiser Permanente in Woodland Hills, California.

A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, March 4th, 2012, at 2:30pm at the Calvary Community Church, Westlake Village, California.

 In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation at http://www.cancer.ucla.edu/, (Click “Giving” tab, then click “Give Now”) or Vietnam Veterans of America at Http://vva.org/support.html

 Lynn, Jeff, Jackie and Joey LaRocque

 

Mike LaRocque RIP

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Mike LaRocque - my friend

Mike LaRoucque, a man I liked very much, one I considered a good friend, but a friend with whom I didn’t spend the time I would have liked; Mike passed on Sunday.  Sad, sad news that I just received this past hour.  The only information I received was that Mike was diagnosed only 10 days before his death with cancer (lungs, bone, colon).  I am stunned and sad tonight.

Mike’s son, Joey, played football at Oregon State a few years back.  That is how our paths crossed.  Mike and his wife, Lynn came to our tailgater, Hog n Bonz, and through that beginning a friendship developed that lasted beyond Joey’s years playing for the Beavers.

Joey, and his sister Jackie are credits to their parents.  Joey is open, down to earth, enthusiastic and a joy to be around.  A good looking young man, too.  I enjoyed the times we visited, both during and after his football career.  Jackie is a delightful young lady, pretty, vivacious and fun.  I’ve spent less time around Jackie, but have enjoyed the moments.

Mike was bigger than life.  He commanded a room, or a tailgater, simply by the force of his personality.  People were drawn to his bluff exterior and honest conversation.  I can see him now, standing beside me at the tailgater, turning his head slightly towards me and speaking out of the corner of his mouth, in that gravelly rumble of his.

I am grieved for Lynn, Mike’s lady.  She is bubbly and friendly and cute and cuddly – and she seemed a perfect match for her “Rocky”.

The last time I saw Mike was just before my namesake nephew, Gyles’ wedding.  He and Stacey were married not far from Mike and Lynn’s home in southern California – so I took advantage of the opportunity to see two of my favorite people.  What a beautiful evening.  We went to a wonderful restaurant by a small lake, and dined outside, beside the lake.  The evening was warm and pleasant. Mike and Lynn were well known there, and we received the best attention from the staff.  Joey and his lady came by to visit for a few minutes on their way to a show at the Hollywood Bowl.  That evening with Mike and Lynn is a highlight of the past year, and will remain a favorite memory of mine.

Mike, you were a good man, a man’s man (I know of nobody who fits that description better than Mike).  I enjoyed your company and friendship immensely.  May God’s face shine upon you now.  May God’s love and abundant mercy comfort your Lynn and Joey and Jackie in this time of loss and sorrow.

I will miss you very much.