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Thomas was born in Charlevoix, Michigan, the son of George and Edna (Brooks) LaBlance. He grew up in Charlevoix, and was a 1955 graduate of Charlevoix High School. He went on to serve in the U.S. Navy for two years. He graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1961, then moved to Chicago to work for the First National Bank. On January 18, 1964, he married Maureen Brennan of Elmhurst, Ill. Tom and Maureen returned to Charlevoix in 1964, where he went into business with his father at the LaBlance Insurance Agency. He was a member of Saint Mary's Church, Charlevoix Kiwanis Club, Charlevoix Lion's Club, and the Charlevoix Chamber of Commerce. Tom was one of the founders of the Charlevoix Sports Boosters. He was an avid golfer and sports enthusiast, especially with all of his children's sports activities. He was instrumental in getting the millage passed for renovation of the old high school. Tom had many friends in the community and was well liked by all who knew him. Tom passed away at home, and is survived by his loving wife, Maureen; daughter Colleen (Cliff) Clark; sons, Tim (Carrie), Pat (Sandy), Mark (Sarah), and Luke; grandchildren, Nathan, Keegan, Jacie, Hanna, Quinton, Lauren and Ryan; brothers, Steve (Becky), and Brendan; and a sister, Georgia (Tom) Boyer. He was preceded in death by a brother, John. A Mass of the Resurrection was held at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Charlevoix, with the Rev. Thomas Neis officiating. Tom's sense of humor will be missed by his family and many friends. |
