Ralph J. LAVIGNE

Ralph J. LaVigne, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away Sept. 4, 2005. He was born Aug. 13, 1919 in Detroit, MI. He grew up in Burlington, VT, and attended the Univ. of Vermont. He joined the U.S. Air Force to serve his country during World War II. During his 25 year military career, LaVigne was a meteorologist and an intelligence officer in the Aleutian Islands.He retired as a major in 1960 and moved to Ft. Myers, where he began his second career as a stock broker for the next 30 years. He provided investment guidance to many prominent Southwest Florida residents.LaVigne was also well known for his art photography, which was widely exhibited in the area, winning numerous awards. Much of his work reflected the international travel that he and his wife, local artist, Patricia L. LaVigne enjoyed.In addition to his loving wife, LaVigne is survived by his sister, Sister Marie Louis, son and daughter-in-law Steven and Susan LaVigne, and six stepchildren and their spouses: Richard and Sharon Eng, Karen and John Schaffner, Kristen and Ross Ellington, Fred Eng, Jeffrey and Vicki Eng, and Susan and Jeffrey Garvin. He is also mourned by his 13 Grandchildren: Tyler LaVigne, Steven Eng, Brian Schaffner, Laura Kelly, Keith Ellington, Scott Ellington, Leland Garvin, Daryl Garvin, Nicholas Eng, Kristen Eng, Mathew Eng, Liesl Eng, and Meagan Eng.Contributions in his memory may be made to Hope Hospice.