Raymond and Margaret Scharr LaFond

LT. COL. RAYMOND J. LaFOND, D.D.S. & MARGARET SCHARR LaFOND

Aug 5, 1913-July 11, 2006

June 20, 1914-Feb 15, 1996

Today we remember our parents with love and gratitude. Raymond and Margaret met during their early years in high school in Virginia, Minnesota. They dated steadily from that time through their graduations from the University of Minnesota, after which Margaret taught in several schools and Raymond attended and graduated from dental school. They were married on January 4, 1941. As many wives did, Margaret waited patiently in the United States for four years while Raymond served as an officer in the U.S. Army in the European Theater during World War II. They were sweethearts for 13 years before they were married, together for 68 years!

From their beloved marriage, four daughters were born and raised with love, humor and sacrifice. We girls love reminiscing about our childhoods with Mom and Dad. Dinner for six was presented at the table every night and, during that time together, no television was allowed except for "The Friday Night Fights". The old black and white television would be rolled in front of the entrance to the kitchen. Having been given one cookie for dessert, we children would sit patiently at the table while Dad shadow boxed in the ring until the fights were over. There were trips to the nearby Hale's Drug Store for penny candy and sometimes for popsicles after church on Sundays, fishing trips to the mountain lakes, summers at the cabin, new jammies and slippers every Christmas, a silly nickname for each of us, beautiful hand-made dresses, fine educations, acceptance, and always strong shoulders to lean on.

When Mom entered the hospital for the last time, she said, "I will be waiting for you, Raymond." There is no apt description of the love for each other that flowed through their eyes at that time as their silent tears fell. His eyes, a deep tender brown, and hers, a soft ocean blue. Ten years later Mom was, indeed, in the room with Dad to help him pass over. Sometimes you cry even when someone you love has been gone a long time. Mom and Dad, you are not forgotten, nor will you ever be. No one can fill your vacant places. There have been many mysterious copper pennies placed and so many pretty bird feathers. And so we hear:

When you awaken in the morning's hush,

I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not think of me as gone -

I am with you still in each new dawn.

Always in our hearts with love and gratitude, and missing you so. Your girls, Mary, Julie, Edie and Liz