1921
Bruce
2017
Bruce H. Lavigne
July 4, 1921 — December 2, 2017
Born on July fourth, 1921, to Henry and Belle (Cousino) of Windsor, VT, he was the grandson of Peter and Angelina St. George LaVigne of Hinesburg and Benjamin T. and Mary LeBrun Cousino of Bristol. When Bruce was three years old his mother died and his Aunt, Elizabeth Cousino, married his father and provided a safe and loving home for Bruce and his brother, Stanton.
Bruce and Stanton spent the summers of their youth on the farms of their large and loving extended family in Addison County.
After graduating from Windsor High School, Bruce studied commercial art at Scott Carbee School of Art in Boston, where after the war he was an instructor while simultaneously pursuing a career in illustration and advertising art.
On December 8, 1941, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, in which he served for the duration of WW II. He was assigned as a plankowner to Subchaser #749, the USS Bailey, DD492, and the USS Sumner under Capt. Irving Johnson. During the course of the war, he contributed to the survey of the Coral Sea and escorted many ships through major naval battles. As a member of the Naval Reserve, he was recalled to service for 18 months of the Korean Conflict.
In 1948, Bruce married Joan Lowre in Middlebury VT, and shortly thereafter joined Polygraphic as a lithographer. Upon the closing of Polygraphic in 1977, he accepted a position as Chief Inspector for the VT Racing Commission, from which he retired upon the closing of the Green Mt. Racetrack in 1991.
The last surviving charter member of the Norshaft Lions Club, Bruce was also a longtime member of the North Bennington volunteer Fire Dept., and served as a deputy in the VT Sheriff's Mounted Posse. He was a Life Member of the Elks Lodge No. 567 and a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. A tireless animal advocate, he was an active volunteer for Second Chance Animal Center and Francis of Assisi Feral Cat Rescue. He was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife and three daughters, Jenny (Mark Chalek, dec.); Deborah Reed (Conrad Lanoue); and Lowre LaCroix (David), as well as six grandchildren, three dear nieces, cousins, many beloved friends and faithful pets.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bruce's memory to The Bruce LaVigne Fund, Norshaft Lions Club (PO Box 179, Shaftsbury VT 05262), or to Francis of Assisi Feral Cat Rescue (PO Box 496, Shaftsbury VT 05262).
On December 30, 2017, there will be a celebration of his life, starting at 11am with a mass at Saint John the Baptist Church in North Bennington, followed by a time of fellowship in Father DeMasi Hall.
Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bruce H. Lavigne, please visit our flower store.
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Saturday, December 30, 2017
Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)
Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church
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