Mr. Steven LaVoie

Steven LaVoie died peacefully on Monday, October 13, 2014, in LaGrange, Illinois, of complications from gunshot wounds he suffered in July. Although he never regained consciousness following his injuries, he fought valiantly for survival and reached many miraculous milestones, defying the odds and inspiring all who cared for him during his battle. He spent his final days in the loving embrace of his immediate family and close friends. Born in Fremont, California on August 17, 1959 and raised in Sonoma, Mr. LaVoie attended the University of California, Berkeley before moving east to earn his MPPM (MBA) from Yale University. After graduating, he worked at Drexel Burnham Lambert for four years before joining Blyth Homescents as Corporate Controller. He spent the next seven years at Blyth as VP of International and as President of the Sterno Group. It was Blyth that transferred him to Chicago, a move that would introduce him to his future wife, Jody Schermerhorn. The two met on a blind date and married a few years later in 1997 at the bride's alma mater, The University of Chicago. Steve fully embraced the Chicago area as his new home, eventually settling in LaGrange where he lived with his wife, three daughters, and dog Bruno. In 2000, Steve decided to start his own company to pursue his vision to redefine logistics and supply chain management for the foodservice industry. He founded Arrowstream in May of that year. Not only did the company's sales grow year after year, so did its sterling reputation. Under Steve's direction, Arrowstream won numerous awards, including the 2014 Chicago's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For award, an honor it took home three years in a row. But friends, neighbors, business partners and family will remember Steve most for his exuberant devotion to his wife and three daughters. "Steve was always someone whose presence I enjoyed - his intellect, his passion, his love of life and mostly, his love for you and the girls," said friend David Parsley in a Caringbridge post to Steve's wife Jody. "I have a poem on my desk that ends with 'Love doesn't die, people do. So when all that's left of me is love, give me away as best you can.' We will be giving Steve away for the rest of our lives. His story and your love story will be cherished by us and others as a shining example of what a meaningful life is all about." With his family, Steve loved to travel, fish, lead Indian Princess campouts, relax at home and listen to Steely Dan. A man who respected traditions, he had three that he kept without fail: every night he shared a glass of wine with his wife Jody; every Sunday he woke up early and made Swedish pancakes for the whole family; and every Halloween he was renowned for dressing up as The Beast to escort his three beauties trick-or-treating. Steve was also an avid wine collector and connoisseur, and generously shared his passion, and his collection, with everyone he knew. Steve served for many years on the Board of the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis. He was a strong supporter of mental health professionals and had deep compassion for those seeking mental health services. He was also actively involved with the Junior State of America and the Supply Chain Innovation Network of Chicago. He is survived by his parents Ray and Jean LaVoie of Springfield, Missouri; his wife Jody and daughters Katie, Sarah and Caroline; his sister Lisa Killian of Springfield, Missouri; his brother Larry Lavoie of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and nieces and nephews Stacey Beggan, Christina Killian, David Lavoie and Nick Killian. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Steve's life at a Wine and Cheese Reception to Honor Steve on Friday, October 17, 6pm-8:30pm at the LaGrange Country Club in LaGrange, Il. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, October 18th at 10am at the First Presbyterian Church of LaGrange. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to The LaVoie Family Education Fund 
First National Bank of LaGrange
 PO Box 190
 LaGrange, IL 60525-9635 or Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis
 122 S. Michigan Ave
 Suite 1300
 Chicago, IL 60603
 or online: www.chicagoanalysis.org