Former Holmes Regional Medical Center Facilities Manager Richard LaChance, 80, Passes Away

man of calm and quiet demeanor, was also driven with a strong work ethic

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA – Richard LaChance, 80, beloved father, pépère and uncle, unexpectedly went home to his Heavenly Father on Friday, December 28, 2018.

Born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont to Raymond and Lucienne LaChance on November 1, 1938, he graduated from the St. Johnsbury Academy in 1956 and honorably served in the U.S. Army from 1957-60.

Upon his return home, he took a job in Claremont, New Hampshire and married a hometown girl, Simone Poliquin, on May 19, 1962. He singlehandedly built their first home in Claremont, before they returned to St. Johnsbury in 1966.

After many cold winters, in 1982 Richard and Simone decided to move the family to Cocoa, Florida where he lived until his death.

A man of calm and quiet demeanor, Richard was also driven with a strong work ethic, a trait he passed along to his children and grandchildren.

Having grown up in his father’s business, in 1966 he with his brother Herbert to form the Herrick Company, a plumbing, heating and electrical contractor in which they also owned and managed 75 apartments in multiple buildings in their hometown until Herbert’s passing in 1977 and Richard’s move to Florida.

Upon relocating to Florida, Richard began working in 1984 at Wuesthoff Hospital as a Plumber and Electrician before becoming the General Maintenance Supervisor in 1986. He was then promoted to Manager of Plant Engineering in 1999 where he was responsible for maintaining the entire hospital and 40 satellite buildings. He was awarded the 1998 Florida Healthcare Engineer of the Year.

In 2000, Richard became the Facilities Manager for Health First’s 150-bed Cape Canaveral Hospital and 12 satellite buildings.

The following year he was transferred to the larger Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne where he was responsible for the 468-bed trauma hospital, 18 satellite buildings and an $8 million budget.

He retired in 2009 at the age of 70 but remained a life member of Florida Healthcare Engineering Association.

Simply put, Richard and his family were always immensely proud of his career achievements in light of his humble, small-town beginnings with only a high school diploma.

His example of disciplined hard work and calm personal influence was something admired by all; he was the family rock. His family rejoices in knowing that he has been reunited with his beloved Simone and all of the dear family and friends who have passed before him.

Upon retirement, Richard enjoyed playing bingo weekly at the Moose Lodge and the VFW. He was an active member of Divine Mercy Catholic Church, delivering groceries weekly to those less fortunate as a member of their St. Vincent de Paul Society. He was also an avid NASCAR fan and a regular blood donor.

After 52 years of marriage in 2014, Richard was preceded in death by his wife Simone. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Raymond, Paul, Herbert and Maurice and sister Gloria Bouffard.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Deborah of Portersville, PA, son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Theresa of Rockledge, FL, daughter and son-in-law, Rachel and Gary Holtgard of Boise, ID, three grandsons, Luc, Kyle and Gage, and a large extended family who thought the world of him.

A funeral mass will be held Friday, January 18 at 11 a.m. at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 1940 N. Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island.

Following the service, a luncheon and celebration of Richard’s life will be held at the Moose Lodge, 3150 N. Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Vincent de Paul Society c/o Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 1940 N. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island, FL 32953.

Arrangements by Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral Care, Rockledge, 632-1350. Condolences at afcfcare.com

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