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Homer LaGassey Obituary
He was born on May 15, 1924 in Detroit to Homer C. LaGassey Sr. and Phyllis Paton LaGassey. He was married to Eleanor Matheson LaGassey for 50 years, who passed away in 1993.
Homer and Eleanor lived in Royal Oak where they raised their family.
He is survived by his children, Gary LaGassey and his wife, Luciana, Michael LaGassey and Suzanne LaGassey. His youngest son, David, passed away in November, 2013. He is also survived by six grandchildren.
Homer served in the U.S. Air Force, flying 32 B-17 bombing missions from Foggia, Italy, during World War II. Homer was also active during the Korean War. He was the youngest chief stylist ever hired (age 22) at that time by General Motors. He also worked for Chrysler and Ford design centers.
In addition to styling many of the hottest cars for these companies, in his later years, he taught automotive styling at the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, where he was nationally and globally acclaimed and recognized for the number and quality of design graduates he produced.
In his spare time, he sailed with great love and enthusiasm on the Great Lakes in a number of craft that he owned and maintained, while he directed his family on how to sail, repair and enjoy the crafts like he did. He enjoyed playing trumpet and laughed as the rest of the family asked him if he could play any other tune except the one he always did.
Homer ran Cherokee Trail Resorts in Oscoda with his wife for many years, and engaged many people with his quick wit, repartee and ability to relax others.
Memorial services are in the planning stages for spring. Anyone interested in further information, please sign the guest book and provide particulars at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Homer LaGassey
Sponsored by Pharesdesign in appreciation of Mr. LaGassey.
Jonathan Moshier
May 29, 2015
Our family lost touch after my dad passed away in October 2012, but Homer was a good friend to dad and the family. We have one of his old boats and several pieces of art at the cottage in Harrisville. I'll always picture him riding the tractor and whistling over at Cherokee Trail. Many great memories of a special man. We won't forget him. -the Moshiers
Stewart Boner
March 5, 2014
Some of my fondest memories of childhood came from staying at Cherokee Trail. Homer actually gave me my first paying job. We would go up every year and I would be in charge of making sure all the inner tubes were all back on the post every night. I still have his artwork hanging in our home as do my parents. I have "LaSalle's Griphon" train #2201 and another ship. I have always cherished those memories.
February 17, 2014
Homer is at the top of my 'most unforgettable person' list. His talent, wit and friendship impressed me,along with his 'war stories' as a young designer at Ford. He was my boss as head of the Special Projects Studio in 1964-1965.When I began my design business in 1967,just prior to getting married, at dinner with my fiance, Homer remarked..'You'll have so many wrinkles you'll have to screw your hat on'. He'd answer a telephone call with,'You're looking good'. A lasting legacy for Homer is the Automotive Design Program he established at CCS, one of the leading car design programs in the country. He invited me to join this program as an instructor (1968-1986.
Homer was a unique personality in automotive design,known not only for his talent, but for his optimism and humor. Working as a designer for Ford,GM and Chrysler is a rare accomplishment. A few years ago the Barrett-Jackson Auction honored Homer by having him present the 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Motorama car that he designed.
I'll remember Homer as a mentor and a good, generous friend who'll be dearly missed and long remembered.
We extend our condolences to the LaGassey family.
Dan and Penny Phares
Sue and Jack Masters
February 4, 2014
Dear Family,
We loved Homer and Eleanor as family. Our memories are precious. We have one of Homers paintings that we prize. Love to you all. Sue & Jack
Carol Semack
January 30, 2014
My family has many wonderful memories of Homer and Eleanor at Cherokee Trails and in Detroit. Many of his ship prints hang in our homes. Homer, you were a great man with the wonderful gift of storytelling,
Robert Phillips
January 29, 2014
Having been apart of the Carter clan on ferncliff, I had the pleasure of meeting the lagasseys and enjoyed knowing them in the 70s.I am truly sorry for your loss and also that david is no longer with us. My heart goes out to all of the family remaining. Robert Phillips
Jeff and Katie Esham
January 21, 2014
Such saddness that such a quick wit and beautiful person and mind was cut short by Alzheimers. My family and I had the pleasure of getting to know Homer when he relocated to South Florida to care for his mother. He rekindled his friendhsip with our dear neighbor, Yolanda. Over the years we had so many great moments and memories with the two of them, even after they relocated to Mt. Dora and Greenbush. His creativity and jolly disposition will always be my greatest memories of such a great man. God speed and smooth sailing, Handsome Homer.
January 20, 2014
Beverly &Gus Metros
Homer was a wonderful man and excellent teacher. He knew how to bring out the best talent in "his boys" as he talked about the class of 1986. We enjoyed visiting with him at his art barn up north and also in E. Tawas. We also had a chance to go out to dinner with him and his wife in Royal Oak before he retired. What a great man. I felt like he was part of our family.
Carol Forney
January 14, 2014
My fondest memory of Sonny was a caracature/poster he drew of my cousin, Deanna Matheson Siemasz, when she was a stewardess, aka flight attendant, with TWA. We couldn't stop talking about it for days. What a talented and likeable guy.
Lisa Chasey (Siemasz)
January 13, 2014
Fond childhood memories of spending summer vacation up at Cherokee Trails. Uncle Homer is definitely part of those memories...an amazing gusto, infectious laugh and incredible spirit! I haven't seen him in years, but know he will be missed. Rest in peace.
Lyn Matheson
January 13, 2014
Uncle Homer will always be Uncle Sonny to me and will be missed. I will always remember being at his and Aunt El's house and being amazed by their love and creativity. What wonderful Aunt, Uncle and cousins... Love & Peace...Namaste'
January 13, 2014
Uncle Sonny what a fine man you were. My fondest memories of growing up were my weekends that I spent with the family and your amazing work space. I don't think I ever remember you with out a smile...Love you Heather
Mike Kowalski
January 13, 2014
Homer was an instructor of mine in the 80's at CCS. I recall his boundless entheusiasm to teach and his passion for design. I remember him telling me, in regards to a design I had done, "If you want to know how good you are, ask your mother. If you want to know how bad you are, ask me" He was tough, but I certainly did learn. Homer is still, 30 some years later, talked about with great esteem in the design commumity.
January 12, 2014
I was with homer until his last days. I've known him for six years. I work at tawas village.he was a awesome person. I will miss him so so much,and I will never forget him.. I love you homer,homer. Love Crystal hunt...
Dolores Oakley
January 12, 2014
I am a friend of Deanna Siemasz and spent several summers up at the cottage many years ago. I was always afraid of the water but went sailing with Homer and loved every minute of it...even being caught in the fog because I had such confidence in him. He was a wonderful man and I have very fond memories of him
Scott Robbins
January 12, 2014
One of the most interesting men I have ever had the pleasure meeting. He will be missed by many I'm sure.
Brian Ebbinghaus
January 12, 2014
Homer was one of my prof's at CCS during the early 80's. His love of life and gusto never, ever failed to put a smile on all those around him. We all learned so much from him, not just about design (which he dearly loved), but about how to live ones life to the fullest, every single day. He's probably got 'el-marko' out and scribbling on heavens gate. His memory carries on inside all the fledgling designers he (and el-marko) touched...
Scott Robbins
January 11, 2014
One of the most interesting men I have ever had the pleasure meeting. He will be missed by many I'm sure.
1954 Buick Wildcat Show Car
William Porter
January 11, 2014
Homer will be remembered as a remarkably spirited designer, raconteur, and tough-love teacher to hundreds of students who were fortunate enough to have been in his classes at CCS from the 1960s into the 1980s.
From his early sketches for some of the outstanding GM Motorama show cars to his days at both Ford and Chrysler, Homer cut a wide path through the American automobile design world, spreading innovative designs and boundless enthusiasm wherever he went. Anyone who met Homer will never forget him. Perhaps the most famous anecdote regarding Homer is the story about him getting on the elevator on the 11th floor at the old GM Styling Building. Harley Earl was on the elevator, just coming down from his office on the 12th floor, carrying two large paper bags. Homer's remark, "Taking home your pay, Mr. Earl?" was met with dead silence as the elevator completed its descent to the ground floor. Homer's ready wit will live forever.
Bill Porter
From his early sketches for some of the outstanding GM Motorama show cars to his days at both Ford and Chrysler, Homer cut a wide path through the American automobile design world, spreading innovative designs and boundless enthusiasm wherever he went. Anyone who met Homer will never forget him. Perhaps the most famous anecdote regarding Homer is the story about him getting on the elevator on the 7th floor at the old GM Styling Building. Harley Earl was on the elevator, just coming down from his office on the 8th floor, carrying two large paper bags. Homer's remark, "Taking home your pay, Mr. Earl?" was met with dead silence as the elevator completed its descent to the ground floor. Homer's wit will live forever.
Bill Porter=
Michael LaGassey
January 10, 2014
He was a fine human being and I will miss him. Good sailing on the water, Dad.
Lisa Mroczkowski
January 10, 2014
Knew Homer the last 3 years, and have many fond memories. All ready missed.
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