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GERARD LABRECQUE Obituary
Gerard Hector Labrecque was born April 4, 1925, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, to a large French Canadian family. He died at home, May 14, 2012, surrounded by all seven of his children.
He follows his beloved wife, Candida, to heaven, who died on September 26, 2011.
He served in the Canadian Navy, played semi-pro hockey, was a devout Catholic all his life and served in prison ministry sharing his love for Jesus. He taught high school languages and history for 33+ years, mostly at Columbia High in Richland. He is a much loved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
A memorial service will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1111 Stevens Drive, in Richland on Saturday, May 19th at 11:00 a.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for GERARD LABRECQUE
James Wilson
June 1, 2012
Gerry Labrecque was one of a kind. When I took his history classes at Columbia High School in the 1970's, he had the innovative techniques and quirky sense of humor which I immediately latched onto as a student. I remember he would call on people and if their name escaped him for the moment, he would refer to them as "Miss Pumpernickel". He talked in class about reading books for enjoyment, like biographies of Washington and "The Populist Manifesto." His lilting accent, which I could never place, was like music to our ears. I was so impressed with the man I chose teaching as a career. 28 years later, I still recall fondly my days of history with the inimitable Mr. Labrecque. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
James Wilson, Hanford High School History Department
Lonnie Pierson
May 20, 2012
I am so, so sorry to hear about your loss. I taught behavioral science right next to Jerry's classroom at Richland High School (Col. Hi.) from 1975 until he retired. Jerry and I had many a talk about many a thing. His advice and support for this young inexperienced teacher will always be remembered - I continue to owe him much. I last saw and talked to Jerry at Christ The King's 8:00 a.m. Mass several years ago and have had kind thoughts of him since. Whether here or there I will continue to hold dear to me both Jerry and your mother. God's Grace, Lonnie Pierson, Richland, Washington
Darren McIntyre
May 17, 2012
Mr. LaBrecque was my favorite history teacher at Col Hi. My condolences to his family. He was a great man.
Betsy Theroux Thoman
May 17, 2012
What an amazing man. Did not appreciate him in high school as much as I would have as an adult.
Sean Lewis
May 17, 2012
Mr. LaBrecque was easily one of the most memorable and favorite teachers of my entire lifetime. He was always calm and unshakable in class and clearly loved what he did. He always seemed to be able to connect in some way with every student, and I know he touched a lot of lives in a very positive way. I know I'll never forget him!
Rob and Sonya Greenhalgh
May 17, 2012
33+ years of teaching means he touched a lot of lives. There are fond memories all over the country, maybe even the world, of class with Mr. LaBrecque. His class is definitely one of the fondest memories of high school for two people in Spokane! Thanks Mr. LaBrecque for being such a great teacher!
candy zeleny
May 17, 2012
He was a great man and teacher. May the Lord bless you and keep you all close to his heart and bring you peace. You all should be very proud and honored to have even known this great man. To be in his presence was to be blessed. He had such a calmness to him, now I recognize that as the peace of the Lord. God Bless Candy S. McCarty Zeleny
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