It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Vincent J. Lavallee Jr., on April 17. Vince was born the second child of four siblings to Vincent J. Lavallee Sr. and Merele Lavallee of Holyoke, Massachusetts. He was raised in Hempstead, NY, where he attended and graduated school.

After high school graduation, Vince enlisted in the United States Navy. He was stationed in Corpus Christi, where he met the love of his life Marsha, also in the Navy. During their four-year tour they welcomed their first child in May of 1968, Vincent J. Lavallee III “Vinnie”. On completing their duty, they moved to Hempstead, NY where he worked for TWA

at JFK Airport and volunteered for the Hempstead Fire Department. During their time in Hempstead, they welcomed their second child, Kathern R. Lavallee-Burkett “Kat” in April of 1973. After a few short months they picked up and moved back to Texas and lived in Del Rio where he worked for the Laughlin Air Force Base Fire Department. After several years in Del Rio, he applied for the United States Border Patrol. In 1978, Vince and his family moved to Alpine, where he started his career as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent. During his 24-year career, Vince traveled many miles, detailed out to many stations in the United States and different departments throughout the government. He was stationed in Alpine, Marfa and Presidio, where he finally retired as a supervisor in January 2002. After retirement, he continued to work for several more years for the Brewster County Sheriff ’s Department and then the Federal Court House and finally in 2005, he hung his hat.

Finally enjoying his retirement, he traveled with his wife, played golf and was able to spend quality time with his grandchildren. The three joys of his life. He loved his grandchildren. Vince never met a stranger, he had an infectious smile, huge heart and always took the time to make others feel special. We will miss him terribly.

He is preceded in death by his mom Merele, his dad Vincent and his mother and father-in-law Myron and Lena Bixby.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Marsha, his children Vincent J. Lavallee III (Cindy), Kathern R. Lavallee-Burkett (Hunter), the joys of his life, his grandchildren Vincent J. Lavallee IV “Joey”, Megan Widder (Cole) and Ivory Burkett. His sister Joy Kisling (Rick), brothers Gary (Ellen) and Dave (Kim) Lavallee and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A memorial service was held May 6, at Big Bend Cowboy Church in Alpine.