Obituary of Mike Larocque
The family of Charles Michael Larocque is saddened to announce that Mike passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Brockville General Hospital’s palliative care unit following a brief illness. He was 81. Mike is survived by Carol, his loving wife of 56 years, and their two sons, Corey (Christine Mastroianni) and Chuck (Karen MacDonald), and a grandson Chace Michael Larocque, who proudly shared his Poppy’s initials.
He is lovingly remembered by sister Sheila Holtby (Bob), sister-in-law Bev Larocque, and extended family members including Lucca and Peter Mastroianni, and Jesse and Celine Whalen, as well as many friends.
He is predeceased by his parents Vincent and Norah Larocque, and by brother Joe Larocque.
Mike, an accountant by profession, had a distinguished career in municipal government administration, as the City of Brockville’s finance director for 30 years. He came out of retirement to serve as the chief administrative officer of the Town of Gananoque and Township of Augusta.
Mike and Carol were avid boaters, spending many summer days touring the 1000 Islands, picnicking, swimming and barbecuing.
A lifelong learner, Mike was a B.C.I. graduate who earned a Registered Industrial Accountant designation in 1976, followed by a Certified Management Accountant and other professional certifications. In 1999, at the age of 57, he earned a degree from Carleton University.
His love of learning led him into a series of hobbies including ham radio, target shooting, wood carving, and general puttering.
At the age of 75, he fulfilled a lifelong desire to learn a musical instrument when he picked up the ukulele and joined a group of retirees who played.
Over the years, he was active as a volunteer with the First Presbyterian Church, the Kiwanis Club, the Distress Centre Crisis Line, Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health, the Brockville Taxpayers Association, and PROBUS Club.
All his life, he encouraged family and friends to persevere through challenging times — “stick-to-it-iveness,” he called it — and adopted the poem “Don’t Quit” as a personal credo.
Family and friends will be received at the Barclay Funeral Home, 137 Pearl St. E., Brockville, on Thursday, June 8, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday June 9, 2023. from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. A Celebration of Michael’s life will be held in the Chapel at 1:00 p.m. with a reception following. Private Family interment at a later date. In memory of Mike, donations may be made to the Charity of your Choice. Messages of condolence may be sent online at www.barclayfuneralhome.com.
