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Death claims long-time commission volunteer
Russell G. LaPalme
Born: April 17, 1964
Died: May 10, 2016
Hewill bemissed.
A family man who loved and enjoyed his family, Russell
LaPalme joined the Sumpter Township Parks and
Recreation Commission in 2000. He was a member who
did whatever he could do to make sure that every event
Parks andRecreation organizedwouldbememorable.
Russell, who died May 10, especially loved the annual
Turkey Shoot every October. When it came to the Sumpter
Country Fest which takes place Memorial Day weekend,
he could be found throughout the fair grounds pitching in
and doing any task needed, including preparing the arena
for theDemolitionDerby onSunday.
He was also involved in the Don Rochon Memorial Car
Show and Swap Meet which began 22 years ago. As Don
Rochon's son-in-law, Russell made sure that everything
was perfect because he knew that Don would not have it
any other way. Russell could always be seen working at the
many events hosted by the Parks and Recreation
Commission. He will be truly
missed and always in the
thoughts of the commission
members when these events
take place each year.
Russell is survived by his
loving wife of 18 years,
Rebecca Lynn (Rochon)
LaPalme; four children,
Ashlie (George) Hamel of
Haslett, MI, Angel Hunt of
Bunkerhill, MI and Raven
and Emily LaPalme of
Sumpter Township; two
grandchildren, Isabella and
Alexander Hamel; four broth-
ers, Doug LaPalme of Taylor, Tim (Brenda) Fritz of
Rochester, David (Jennifer) Fritz of Canton and Scott
(Natalie) Fritz of AK; also numerous nieces, nephews,
aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, andmany friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers,
Jerry and JefferyFritz, and a niece, SamanthaFritz.
Russell G. LaPalme
