Gary P. LaPlante

Gary LaPlante will be missed in section 136 at Coors Field, section 11 at Magness Arena, and more than that he will be deeply missed by friends and family who loved hearing his theories (or suffered through his theories) on how to improve the Rockies; on the best way to smoke a brisket; and the many ways to untangle a fishing line. He was an attorney by trade, but he always said his job was helping people and solving problems no matter how large or small. He had an insatiable appetite for learning. His library grew over the years from baseball, to business, to cooking, to politics, to literature and everything in between. The center of his life was his family, of whom he was immensely proud. He was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois to Lucille and Harry LaPlante. He was the second of five children. And on family vacations he always chose the seat in the way way back of the station wagon. His love of sports blossomed during his childhood. He played baseball and basketball, not only organized games, but with family in the backyard and by himself for hours in the basement with his Stratomatic. After graduating from Guilford High School, he went on the University of Denver where he studied business and fell in love with the mile high city. His love stayed with him all the way through law school where he transferred from Washington University in St. Louis back to DU. The only thing he kept from Wash U were his friendships, including his friendship with Budweiser. While at the University of Denver he found his crew while taking a sports law class and he helped create the legendary softball team, Save the Whales. Many of his closest relationships were formed from this team. His love of sports also introduced him to the love of his life. He met Cora Christine on a blind date at a Broncos Chiefs game. They were rooting for different teams at the time, but they got married in 1981 and became part of the same team. The team grew to include Shawn, Brett and Christy and family vacations frequently included trips to baseball stadiums across the country and around the world. He is survived by his wife Cora, his children, Shawn (Anneliese Hartman), Brett and Christy, and grandchildren Banks and Mazzy his siblings, Linda Fahey (Jack, Jonathan), Martha Shelton (Kathryn Wille, Kyle, Klaire, Kole), David (Lindsey, Blake), Todd (Venus). In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in honor of Gary to: KUVO 2900 Welton St, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80205 The Butterfly Pavilion 6252 W 104th Ave Westminster, CO 80020 Or a charity of your choice. Please share memories of Gary and condolences for his family in the guestbook below.