Mr. Ronald LaPlant joined the choir of heavenly angels in the morning of September 5, 2024. He was a resident of Cornerstone Hospice House, the Villages at Lady, Lake, FL  His oldest daughter, Isabelle was by his side.

Ron spent his growing years on a farm in Menominee county Michigan. His parents were Gladys and Albert LaPlant. He had two sisters Marilyn Ruleau and LouAnn Isaacon. He was given the responsibility of  caring for and milking a herd of thirty-two cows at the age of nine. Ron attended Menominee High School and graduated with the class of 1959. After graduation he joined the U.S. Marines and served four years. After basic training he was stationed overseas and spent extra time in Japan where he learned to speak Japanese.

Upon returning to the United States, he married Rosanna Mazzola. They raised three Columbian children, Isabelle, Martha, and Alex. He settled in Marinette,  Wisconsin where he worked for another optician and eventually started Optical Boutique. The business became remarkably successful by demand. He carried his skill to the Bahamas where he worked with Bahamian Drs. Eventually, he opened his own optical lab, PDQ optical which served the Grand Bahama community.

He served as a 4-H leader for Clown Troupe H, a local group of young people who entertained with juggling, dancing, and clowning. Ron sang with Holy Family Choir, Our Savior's Lutheran Church and St. Andrew's Anglican choir in the Bahamas and was active in community events. He was a member of Whitetails, hunting organization.

Ron was the islands'  Santa Claus. Appearing in primary schools, hotel events,  gift giving in the park and sometimes even surprising a child at their house, everyone loved the "real" Santa.

Ron loved the Bahamian climate, sandy beaches and observing marine life. He originally moved to Grand Bahama and then ten years ago he moved to the tiny island of Exuma. His final move was to Lady Lake, FL. in September 2023.

He will be remembered for his love of nature, warm personality,  and  multitude of skills. He especially liked spending time outdoors in the northern woods at his "camp". He always enjoyed meeting new people and learning about diverse cultures. He will be missed by friends and family both far and near.

Ron is survived by his wife, Paula, and his precious cat Mimi. His children, Cassandra Rynish (Matthew Rynish), Isabelle, Martha LaPlant, Alex LaPlant, and Devine Sheena Schubert. Five grandchildren Juliana Schneider, Tyler Rynish, Ayden Forbes, John Pizon, and Julien LaPlant and two great grands, Liam Babiarz and Seager Schneider. Friends:  St, Andrews Anglican Church George Town, Exuma the Bahamas, Kamala Nandall, New  York, Gwen George, Nicole Saunders, and Ali Ciantoli (neighbors),   Rev. Debbie Casanzio, Jan  Justice. Lady Lake United Methodist Church and choir. Special thanks to John Harris caregiver and friend.