Celebration of Life: Bill LaPorte

Born in Bay City, Mich., second in a family of nine children, LaPorte migrated to San Juan Island more than 30 years ago. The father of three daughters and a foster son, and grandfather of six, he made a living in a variety of occupations over the years and gravitated with ease into the arena of local politics.

May 23, 2015 6:48 pm
Bill LaPorte
Bill LaPorte

Former Friday Harbor mayor Bill LaPorte will be in the spotlight in a “Celebration of Life” event hosted by San Juan Island Yacht Club, Saturday, May 30, 1-4 p.m.

The public is encouraged to attend.

A former town mayor (1994-97) and county councilman (2000-03), LaPorte was a long-time champion of the once-heralded San Juan Island Jazz Festival and an avid motorcycle enthusiasts. He died of natural causes April 6, at age 77.

Born in Bay City, Mich., second in a family of nine children, LaPorte migrated to San Juan Island more than 30 years ago. The father of three daughters and a foster son, and grandfather of six, he made a living in a variety of occupations over the years and gravitated with ease into the arena of local politics.

The town council recently honored LaPorte by naming the Town Fire Association’s 1923 Cadillac fire engine “The Bill LaPorte.” The longtime owner of Sea-Cure Services, a local fire safety company, LaPorte long-held the position of president of the Friday Harbor Fighters Association.