Obituary of LAVOIE – Richard Rick John

July 24, 1954 – February 19, 2011 Richard “Rick” John Lavoie beloved husband of Tracy of Calgary, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at the age of 56 years after a long and courageous battle with complications from diabetes. Rick was born and raised in Calgary, marrying his childhood sweetheart in 1978. He was proud to be a licensed mechanic and worked most of his career with National Transmissions, before becoming disabled in 2003. He had a great love for building fast cars, remote control hobbies and anything with lights, buttons and switches. Rick loved his life, living it on his terms, and even as he became sicker, he found a way to not only live, but to do it with the courage to be optimistic and still find a joy in things that may be lost to many of us. His enduring spirit and bravery were an inspiration to all who knew him. Besides his loving wife and lifelong pal Tracy (nee LaBuc), he will be forever loved by his sisters, Sharon Lavoie and Michele (Dennis) Halstead; brother Paul (Doug) Lavoie; two nieces Larae Jalbert and Breanne (Will) Haworth; nephew Chase Halstead; and great-niece Rowan Haworth. Rick was predeceased by his father Royal; mother Josephine; and brother Johnathon. As per Rick’s request, there will be no funeral. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Diabetes Association, #204, 2323 – 32nd Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 6Z3 Telephone: (403) 266-0620, ext. 112, www.diabetes.ca. The family wishes to thank the management and staff of Apache Superior Printing for their constant love, support and understanding, Dr. Gordon Melling, the best family physician you could ask for, and the staff at Chinook Hospice for their wonderful care and for giving us such a supportive, loving place to complete our journey with Rick. Finally, we would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the Peter Lougheed Centre. For eleven years you repeatedly gave Rick back his life, continually gave us hope and at the end, gave us great comfort. You have touched our lives in profound ways and the words “thank you” are so inadequate for what you have given us. We will never forget your skill, professionalism, kindness and love, and for being the healing calm in the midst of our medical chaos. In living memory of Richard Lavoie, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.