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BRUCE LaFORCE Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for BRUCE LaFORCE
Agustin Reyes
September 17, 2021
I feel very sad to know that Mr. LaForce is now resting in peace. I just did a search on a whim and found this obit link. Mr. LaForce inspired me to take an interest in Biology at Curie Metro HS. I didn't know it then, but because of his inspiration - I developed a lifelong appreciation for Biology and science. Mr. Laforce, I wish to say Farewell and Thank You for what you gave me.
kenneth wester
June 18, 2021
a true gentleman
Jane Tabisz
April 22, 2020
Mr. LaForce was my Science teacher at Curie High School. Today, Earth Day 2020, National Geographic aired a program on the Galapagos Islands. He always said if you get a chance, go to the Galapagos Islands. I can't hear the word Galapagos and not think of him. He was the first teacher that inspired me about science. Had us eat shellfish one time. UGHH, to my 17 year old self! Now, delicious. Dissected crayfish. Counted the eyeballs of the fruit flies we had to grow from culture so we can determine the sex. OH! What a great teacher. With sadness I say farewell.
David Fry
June 8, 2012
Bruce and I grew up together and attended Clissold. I went to MPA and he MPHS. But we remained pals into our 20's when I left for Hawaii to live for many decades seeing him once as a tour guide in the 70s. We had many fun times and were hooligans not to mention Cho Brothers which was a small club of our own invention.
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Gail Slechta
July 6, 2011
Chris..I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know he fought hard to stay here with you..Rest in peace Bruce
Joyce & David Chiulli
July 3, 2011
We are so sad over the loss of this amazing man. Bruce was one of the greatest guys we've ever known. He always seemed to be wearing a smile and always seemed so relaxed and happy.
Bruce touched so many lives, between the thousands of high school students he taught science, to the hundreds of kids he taught to drive, to the hundreds he led on tours, to the many friends and relatives he loved and charmed with his kind, upbeat, jovial personality.
During this past year, we were amazed at the bravery and positive outlook Bruce showed during his illness. We never met a person who fought cancer so hard, and remained so gracious and upbeat in the face of so many medical setbacks. The fact that he fought so fiercely is a testament to the beautiful love that he and Chris shared. Bruce fought so hard so he could stay with his wonderful wife Chris. Chris was devoted to helping Bruce get well, staying beside him every day, through every step of his sickness. Every time we'd speak to Bruce, he'd say, "I don't know what I'd do without Chris. She's my angel." Chris truly was his angel. Now Bruce will be Chrissy's guardian angel.
We will never forget Bruce. He will always be in our happiest memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Chris, and all of you in Chicago. We wish we lived closer, but our hearts are with you always.
Love always, Joyce and David
Darah Vacher
June 29, 2011
Chrissy, Aunty Helen, Uncle Mark, Carrie, Cathy, George, Colin and Zach, our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time. Bruce was a very special guy. We enjoyed spending time with him during the Anniversary Weekend. Hugs to you all.... Love, Darah, Steve, Jared and Caitlin xoxo
Carol Garding
June 26, 2011
I had Bruce LaForce for honors biology at Harper H.S. in the 70's. I ran into him again at Chicago State with my business teacher Dennis O'Boyle. Each morning of summer classes started with a cup of coffee from White Castle. The 3 of us became buddies. Sadly we lost track of each other, but I always think of him fondly when I see a cup of White Castle coffee. Rest in peace, Bruce, aka, Mr. LaForce.
Etta Tull
June 26, 2011
I met Bruce many years ago as a Cartan Escort in Hawaii and saw him again at the Cartan reunion a couple of years ago. He had not changed; a smile and kind words for all.
My prayers and deepest sympathy for your loss, he will be missed by many.
Carol Brossard
June 25, 2011
I met Bruce while conducting tours in Hawaii for Cartan. I was lucky to see Bruce at the Cartan re-union two years ago. We all had a wonderful time. My sympathy to Bruce's family. I am glad to hear he was part of the Kruzin Kahunas
Sandy Greenberg-Miller
June 25, 2011
My condolences to a very special neighbor
Sandy Greenberg-Miller
Robert Aagard
June 25, 2011
Bruce worked with me as a Tour Director, when I served as VP-Ops at Cartan Tours, a Chicago Company. He was given the highest grades by the Members of his Tours, his associates and the Vendors that provided hotel accommodations, transportation and other goods and services. On behalf of the many that will not read of his passing I say; Job Well Done! Bob Aagard, Hudson, FL.
Nancy
June 24, 2011
Chris, know you are in our prayers. We have many fond memories of Bruce.
Dan and Nancy Lagesse
June 24, 2011
Bruce was a good friend for a long time. He will be missed.
ken wester and family
Rob Moses
June 24, 2011
I met Bruce while running Canadian Rockes Tours in college. Bruce was a major influence in my working for Cartan during my 20's. Saw Bruce at our reunion two years ago. He had not change at all he was still the enthusiatic, funny guy that convinced me that Hawaii and working for Cartan was a great way to go. Bruce will be missed a great deal. My thoughts and prayers are with his family as Bruce was truly larger than life. Aloha Oe Bruce until we meet again.
Campfire with Kruzin Kahunas
June 24, 2011
Kruzin Kahunas
June 24, 2011
More Pictures of Bruce on Yellowstone Motorcycle Ride
Betty Martinez
June 24, 2011
I am deeply saddened to learn of Bruce's passing and express my condolences to the LaForce family. God Bless you.
Aimee DesJardins
June 24, 2011
Bruce will be missed. I did my student teaching with him and learned a lot. Rest in peace my friend.
Bruce, looking adoringly at his wife, Chris
Paula Mendell
June 24, 2011
We will miss you, Bruce! You were very blessed to have a beautiful, kind, caring partner, our sweet Chrissy! You lived a full wonderful life and we have fond memories of our time together. We had fun and enjoyed ourselves to the max! We love you! xoxoxox Paula, Josh and Natalie Mendell
Jess Schlegel
June 24, 2011
Bruce was a friend and a fellow football player at Morgan Park. I often think about Bruce and the interesting life that Bruce pursed. I remember the night that Bruce took Ron Strom and myself to Eric the Red's to show us his stain glass art and his custom made wood tables before the place openned to the public.
June 24, 2011
"Bruce rest in peace Fontana Family"
Kimmy
June 24, 2011
Chrissy,
I know there is really nothing anyone can say at a time like this. But know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jacqueline Shem
June 23, 2011
Rest in peace Cousin
Jacqueline Shem
June 23, 2011
Rest in peace Cousin.......
Charlotte Bader
June 23, 2011
Family of Bruce LaForce,
My deepest and most sincere sympathy.
Charlotte Bader
Bruce & I on Yellowstone Motorcycle Trip
Richard Lehman
June 23, 2011
Bruce came out to Hawaii in 1975 where I had the pleasure of training him for Cartan. We began our chuckles on the steps of the Royal Hawaiian. It wasn't until I reunion 2 years ago in K.C. that we all reunited. I learned of his passion for motorcycles and thus began our journey riding together and as a member of the Kruzin Kahuna's. He was our 6th new member and initate. Our first ride was out to Yellowstone and Bruce became our leader wanting to impart his knowledge of the park and he literaly became OUR tour director. We shared many a story and laughed and laughed. He flew out to Denver almost a year ago today to join his Kahuna members to do a ride to the Grand Canyons. He stayed with Pat McEvoy and that evening he was taken to the emergency room. The very next day on Sunday he flew back home and 5 of us continued on our journey without Bruce. We stayed in touch like brothers and this past Christmas eve Bruce was indoctrinated into the Kruzin Kahunas and presented with his vest and patch by Mike McEvoy. It brought so much joy to him becoming the 6th member. (BYW, the Kruzin Kahuna's is simply a group of OLD friends going back 40 years ago who are all Cartan Escorts) He promised us he would ride with us again when he got better. It is with great pain and sorrow, we say goodbye to him. He fought hard while he was in and out of the hospital this past year. He will be dearly missed by all of us. As the founding member of the Kahuna's, Denny Sadowski, has said: > "Bruce, you are riding with the Big Kahuna now, God Speed. Aloha, The
> Kruzin Kahunas""
>Richard Lehman aka Hollywood
Roger Mayer
June 23, 2011
Bruce was a fellow fraternity brother at Morgan Park h.s. He seemed enthusiastic about life and challenges. I sent most of my Grocerland stockboy wages to N.ILL.U. to buy his Mustang mini-bike. Very Hip!!!
Michael Clason
June 23, 2011
I first met Bruce in 1976 when working for Cartan Travel. I last saw him two years ago at the Cartan reunion in Kansas City. He had changed little over the years. He had kept his sense of humor and of course he was always a gentleman. Bruce will live on in the thousands of students he touched during his teaching career. My thoughts are with Bruce's family.
June 23, 2011
Dear Laforce/Nahabedian Families,
I am sincerely sorry to hear of Bruce's death. I had the great opportunity of teaching driver education with Bruce at Mather H.S. for many years. He was greatly dedicated to his profession. He was a funny guy with an interesting sense of humor.
Sincerely,
Brian Reykjalin
June 23, 2011
Rest in Peace Bruce.
William Shem
June 23, 2011
Rest In Peace, cousin.
Cathy Miller
June 23, 2011
Wake Friday June 24, 2011 4-8 P.M.
Wake Service at 7:00 P.M.
Michael Coletta Sons Funeral Home
544 West 31st Street
Chicago, IL 60616
312-225-8500
June 23, 2011
Wake Friday June 24, 2011 4:00-8:00 P.M.
Wake Service at 7:00 P.M.
Michael Coletta Sons Funeral Home
544 West 31st Street
Chicago, IL 61616
312-225-8500
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