LAFORET: In the arms of his loving wife, at his residence on Thursday, January 8, 2026, Laurent “Larry” Raymond Laforet of Grand Bend, age 83. Beloved husband of Mary (McGill) Laforet. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Margaret (late Leo) Rocheleau of Tecumseh, Paul (Carol) Laforet of Lakeshore, Bob (Betty) Laforet of Windsor, the late Roland (Rose) Laforet of Tecumseh, Pat (late Bob) Gleason of Sarnia, Bernie (late Jack) Orrange of Sarnia. Larry was the Favourite Uncle to his many nieces, nephews and their families, lovingly remembered by his cousins and dear friends. Predeceased by his parents Raymond and Laura (Cecile) Laforet. At Larry’s request, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood, on Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 2 to 4 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, Grand Bend, on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11 a.m., with visitation commencing at 10 a.m. The Rev. Fr. Tony Laforet Celebrant. Interment Pinery Cemetery, Grand Bend, at a later date. Larry served his Catholic Church, the school community and his family and friends with the dedication, loyalty and uniqueness. Cancer and other medical issues during his life took his body but not his spirit, his soul or his faith. They nurtured and strengthened his commitment to life and to God. To know Larry was to love him. We are so thankful for the care and support he received in the Grand Bend Community especially from the Grand Bend Community Health Centre, in particular Julie Datars, who went above and beyond with her care and compassion of Larry throughout the years, and the neighbours on Beaver Dam Crescent who have done so much for us. To the Emergency Responders, we cannot thank you enough for your timely response and the kindness that you showed to us. In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorial donations (payable directly) a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family and please raise a glass to Larry for a life well lived.
Guest Photos
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Linda Lettieri
So fortunate as a teacher to have crossed paths with kind and lovable Larry who exemplified goodness on a daily basis. My sincerest condolences to Mary and the Laforet family. RIP dearest Larry.
Linda Lettieri
Joanne Poel
I was a new teacher at Bishop Francis Allen School in Brampton and Larry was a seasoned pro! I was inspired by his calm, gentle and sincere presence with students and staff. My condolences to Mary (who taught with my friend Sabina) and wish you peace in your memories of Larry.
Joanne Poel
Lori Blundy
Happy to raise a glass to Larry for a life well lived Love and hugs to you Mary and family God bless
Peace Lori McGill Blundy and extended family
Carolyn Spettigue (McGill)
Mary, so sorry to read this. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Carolyn Spettigue (McGill)
Jeanne Pretty
Mary and Family
Thinking of you at this sad time.
Condolences to the family
Jeanne Pretty(Vandevenne)
Jan Rocheleau
Uncle Larry was, quite simply, a good man. I imagined him like the Ghost of Christmas present from the Muppets Christmas Carol. Joyous. A hearty laugh. And so welcoming that I was thinking of him as “Uncle Larry” long before I married into the family. He cared. I mean, he was always showing love, making sure his sister was okay and nephew was doing good. There was no question he’d move mountains to protect those he loved, and yet was still the guy expecting hugs, adding warmth and laughter to every room he entered. Of course, he had strict rules for playing Words with Friends— the only relative outside my immediate family I regularly played with for a time. It was nice to have a rule follower when it came to games… he made things fun. And he will be missed. The sparkle in his eye as he chuckled and smiled. The way he made me feel like I’d always been family. And I was good enough for his godson— I worried before I met him! Like I said, he was simply a good man in every way.
Anna
Dear Mary, our deep condolences to you and family on your loss. Such a sad news. As you put it in words “to know Larry was to love him”. Although we only new him for a short while we loved his big smile and open heart to new neighbours, new children and new dogs of Beaver Dam Crescent. He is going to be missed greatly. Our warmest hug to you at this difficult time. The Piskorz Family (across the road).
Claire Devlin
Mary, sending virtual hugs on hearing the news of Larry’s passing. May the happy memories of the times you shared together bring you peace. Take care of yourself. Claire Devlin
Robert Champagne
So sorry to hear of Larry ‘s passing. His faith inspired me. He had a great impact on my priesthood, and l will remain in forever grateful. Mary may you be comforted by our loving God. Peace Bob Champagne
Heather Sweeney Klopp
Dear Mary. Hugs to you and your family. Larry is a man dearly loved!
Jim Mockler
I remember well the support and inspiration Larry was to me at the beginning of my career.
I am grateful for that.
Fr. Jim Mockler
Patricia Nelson
My deepest condolences to you, Mary, on Larry’s death. My most sincere love and prayers for you my beautiful friend, May the love and devotion you had for each other eventually bring you comfort and peace.
Pat Nelson
Alan Dufraimont
Larry was a great person and priest . I enjoyed working and being with him. Father Alan Dufraimont
Angel & Graham Waddell
Our deepest condolences to Mary and family. Your loss is immeasurable, but so are the memories and love that Larry has left you.
Sean Delaney-Donohue
Dear Mary, I’ve just learned of the passing of your beloved Larry which was so unexpected! May you find lifelong comfort from holding him in your arms during your final moments together. What a gift he has given you! Despite your shock and pain, may all your loving memories bring you peace and strength.
Sean Delaney-Donohue
Terry Brown
My condolences to you Mary. I will always remember Larry sitting in Tim Horton’s reading a book. He was a quiet and polite individual. May he rest in peace.
Mel MacIsaac
Dear Mary,
We were saddened to hear of Larry’s passing and want to express our sincere condolences for the loss of your dear husband. He was a positive and hopeful person in spite of his long standing health issues and we’re sure he was uplifted by your love and support. May he rest in peace.
Mel and Jill MacIsaac
Nancy-Rae and Bob Lovie
Mary and family ….Our deepest condolences to you all at this sad time..
Cherish the wonderful memories of Larry and know that everyone who knew him loved him for his kind and gentle manner.
Marc Rocheleau
I’ll always remember his love for life and big joyful laugh. I loved visiting Mississauga every summer and every time we made it out to Grand Bend. I’ll never forget him bringing me to my first movie with descriptions after going blind. Hugging Uncle Larry was like hugging a big tree trunk, which is fitting because his roots reached so far and his branches touched so many. I will miss him so much. My condolences and prayers go out to you, Aunt Mary
With love,
Marc