David B. Laurendeau

David Bruce Laurendeau, Sr.

David Bruce Laurendeau, Sr. was born June 2, 1948 in Fremont, Ohio.  He was the second of eight children born to Raymond and Lois (Gourno) Laurendeau.  He died in his home on May 27, 2023 after a courageous battle with lymphoma.   

Dave grew up in Clyde and graduated from Clyde High School in 1966.  It was there he met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Sada Mayomba Murphy, as well as many of his lifelong friends. 

After high school, Dave, nicknamed “Lou” by his co-workers, was a Tool & Die Maker at Whirlpool for 44 years, retiring in 2010. 

Dave and Sada married in 1968 and they celebrated 55 years of marriage this past April.  Dave always wanted to be with Sada and she felt the same about him.  With the exception of a few trips to California when their granddaughters were born, and a few hospital stays during the pandemic when overnight guests were not allowed, Dave and Sada never spent a night apart in their more than five decades of marriage.  When Dave had cancer treatments, Sada stayed by his side in the hospital, routinely sleeping in chairs, so Dave would never be alone and to ensure he was well cared for.  

Dave was so loved by so many.  He was a man of few words, but he made everyone he met feel special by taking an interest in something important to them.  He was the favorite of every kid and every family pet.  He was willing to play or do anything with his children or grandchildren at any time.  In one example, Dave’s young granddaughter led him around her backyard on a leash, pretending he was a dog. 

Dave loved all sports, especially wrestling, baseball, basketball and football.  He never missed his children’s matches or games, and he frequently would show up to support nieces, nephews, or the children or grandchildren of friends, too.  He loved a good game of billiards and enjoyed getting together with friends to play poker, bowl and golf.  Dave will be remembered for his kind heart and easy-going spirit, which stayed with him to his final days.     

Dave is survived by his wife, Sada; son David Laurendeau, Jr. and daughter-in-law Nickie Laurendeau; daughter Amy Laurendeau and son-in-law Chris Lal; son Royce Laurendeau; granddaughters Bree Martinez, Madeleine Lal and Audrey Lal; brothers Steve Laurendeau and Greg Laurendeau; sisters Sally (Dexter) Chumley, Kathy Sachs, Cindy (Don) Karcher and Janet (John) Dickman; brother-in-law, Claude Murphy; beloved Newfoundland, Grizzly Bear; and numerous other family and loved ones far and near.   He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Clifford and Emma Jean Murphy; sister, Deb Laurendeau; and brother-in-law, Clifford Murphy.

The family will host a Celebration of Life on Saturday, August 12, 2023 from Noon until 3:00pm to honor Dave’s extraordinary life.   

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