Center Harbor----Ralph R. LaPointe of Center Harbor, NH and Fort Point, FL passed away unexpectedly on May 26th 2010. Born in Laconia NH on March 9th 1931, he was the son of Lillian Poulin and Ralph LaPointe of Laconia, N.H. He is survived by his daughter, Janice Belcher, and son-in-law, Daniel Belcher, of Epping, N.H., his son, Robert LaPointe, and daughter-in-law, Jodi LaPointe, of Marblehead, MA, three grandchildren: Molly, Sally and Sam LaPointe and step-grandchild, Jessica Belcher.
Ralph married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Dorothy Ann Garneau, on May 8th, 1951 and they enjoyed their life together until Dorothy passed away in 1997. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force as a flight engineer stationed at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, OK. Ralph’s career spanned several educational institutions including New Hampton School, Cardigan Mountain School and Laconia public schools.
His children and grandchildren were the joy in his life. He was a wonderful storyteller with impeccable timing that drew laughter and happiness from those he wove his stories for. He was known as a great dancer with the Jitter Bug his favorite. He was a passionate bicycle rider clocking between three and four thousand miles per year, loved landscaping and gardening and for many years was known for Popo’s Hot Dogs on the beach in Center Harbor NH.
His love for the simple things in life endeared him to all he met. He was humble, loving and kind to all he met. His smile would light any room he entered. Ralph, a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and loyal friend to so many will be deeply missed by all.
A memorial service will be held at the Center Harbor Congregational Church, 52 Main Street, Center Harbor, N.H. on June 26th at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception at the church.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Center Harbor Fireman’s Association; P.O. Box 222, Center Harbor N.H. 03226 in honor of the emergency medical technicians who were with him when he passed.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N. H. is in charge of the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.