David LaClaire

We have a marvelous example of David's work right here in our home in SanMateo,CA. David came out to Calif.forty years ago and took our family's portrait at Pt. Reyes National seashore. We will always treasure the photo and the memory of Dave. Barb and Gene Richard

To the LaClaire family,

I had the privilege of working in David's photo lab in the early 1970's, where I learned not only the dye-transfer process and fundamental elements of lighting and portraiture, but also got to know a fine man and warm human being.

I count David as a friend and mentor. David's portrait of our family still retains a prominent place in my mother's home.

The EGRHS Class of '48 will not be the same without Dave's smiling face and good-natured demeanor. He was a friend to all of us and we will miss him. May he rest in peace.

I have fond memories of playing football with Dave at EGRHS. A great, talented guy. His monumental book rests on my coffee table.

Jean: Please send me your address.

[email protected]

Thank you for so beautifully capturing the essence of so many. Portraits of my grandparents, my family when I was a 4 year old (one of my first memories was Dave with his little toy bird he would use to keep the kids engaged) and my father a week before he died. All great gifts from a wonderfully talented man.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Dear Family, David emboldened my journey toward becoming a full-time photographer just after I came back to G.R. with my tail between my legs, from a failed attempt to live in Chicago (hated it!) and pursue a master's in photography at the Illinois Institute of Technology: School of Design. He was an encouragement in the craft and liked to dream about what could be! I went on to work in photojournalism, spent 10 years as a corporate photographer at Butterworth Hospital and had my own...

I met David in 1985 when I first joined the Grand Rapids Press, shooting his portrait for a story. He was so gracious to me as a young photographer and took interest in my career. Over the years our paths crossed and I was always grateful of his knowledge of our craft and his gracious way of sharing his experiences. I will miss his mentoring. My condolences to his family.